_MY OWN SHEPHERD_
PSALM xxiii.
How shall we touch this lovely psalm and not bruise it? It is exquisite as
"a violet by a mossy stone!" Exposition is almost an impertinence, its
grace is so simple and winsome.
There is the ministry of rest. "_He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures._" The Good Shepherd knows when my spirit needs relaxation. He
will not have me always "on the stretch." The bow of the best violin
sometimes requires to have its strings "let down." And so my Lord gives me
rest.
And there is the discipline of change. "_He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness._" Those strange roads in life, unknown roads, by which I
pass into changed circumstances and surroundings! But the discipline of
the change is only to bring me into new pastures, that I may gain fresh
nutriment for my soul. "Because they have no changes they fear not God."
And there is "_the valley of the shadow_," cold and bare! What matter? He
is there! "I will fear no evil." What if I see "no pastures green"? "Thy
rod and Thy staff they comfort me!" The Lord, who is leading, will see
after my food. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies." I have a quiet feast while my foes are looking on!