PSALM 23: Embracing Peace, Joy and Hope In Your Home
I have always been in awe of God and his unexpected blessings. An example of His greatness has been the response to my website music, Psalm 23, by Jeff Majors (www.nitasglow.com). He is a gifted musician, who magically plays the harp accompanied with vocals, who entices you into a beautiful musical journey that is soothing, relaxing and tranquil.
Many people access the website for the music only, especially if they are stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated.
The twenty-third psalm is one of the most powerful and well-read chapters in the Bible. The simple, magical verses have the power to comfort, calm and encourage you to live your life with faith and courage.
If Psalm 23 is a “psalm for the living,” you must begin to understand how you can apply this wisdom to creating a peaceful, hopeful and joyous experience in your home.
Let’s explore each verse of Psalm 23 and reflect about its implications for making your home a pleasing place of ministry.
“The Lord is my Shepherd”- If God is your guide, you must know Him. He is the head of your home, and you need to praise Him for blessing you with a space you call home. Only until you truly know God’s voice, can He guide you about making your home a place that pleases HIM.
“I shall not want” – When seeking God first, know that He will supply every need for your home. However, there is a difference between what you “need” versus what you “want” for your home. Go to God in prayer and ask Him to supply your every “need.”
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” – The Lord has blessed you with a space called home, regardless if it’s a room, apartment, or house. Is it a space where you can be at peace and rest and be filled with His presence? Does your home provide a sanctuary where you can be refreshed and feed on the word of God? If the peace of God is not in your heart, it certainly will not be in your home.
“He restoreth my soul” – So many times we depend on people, things, money, and others to restore our souls. But only God can refresh us. When you embrace God’s word and spirit, you will find creative ways to refresh your home. Use the five senses God has gifted to you as an opportunity to bring life into your home. Appealing to sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell will become an opportunity to restore your soul and home.
“He leaded me in the paths of righteousness” – Seek God’s guidance abut the pathway to making your home a sanctuary. Take time to listen to His voice, and he will reveal the needs of your home. More importantly, He will speak to you about His divine purpose for your life and how your home can be a part of this process.
“For His name sake” – If God is truly your shepherd, and the head of the household, everything you do in your home should glorify Him. Realize that God is first and anything that does not align with His should not be a part of a Godly home.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”- Every life will have some form of testing. But God’s word encourages you to walk through the storm or trial, believing and having faith in Him. He has covered you with his blood and is working out everything for your good. Therefore, you should not be fearful, because God is always with you.
“I will fear no evil”- Do not develop the spirit of fear. Believe that God is always protecting you, even in your home. Pray for God’s protection over your home and family.
“Thy rod and staff they comfort me” – God’s presence will keep you in His perfect peace. Sometimes his rod may have to correct your pathway to making your home a pleasing place of ministry, but He will gracefully lead you in the right direction if you are obedient. God’s grace has the ability to transform your home from within and can be felt by others who live in and visit your home.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” – Unfortunately, we live in a world where everyone will not be your friend or support you. I have observed many times, when you are working hard to fulfill God’s purpose in your life, you gain more “haters.” Thus, be aware when you begin to focus energy on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life, you may run into resistance and experience “haters.” Be prepared for spiritual warfare and fervently claim your home for God’s glory. Remember that the devil never wins and God is for YOU and your home.
“Thou anointest my head with oil” – Just as God has consecrated you by anointing your head with oil, you must consecrate your home with oil, which represents the Holy Spirit. Consider a house blessing ceremony, anointing each room in your home, including your front door. When people walk into your home, they should see and feel God’s spirit.
“My cup runneth over” – When you are aligned with the will of God, you can expect an abundant life overflowing with blessings and favor. This overflow will be visible in your home. Remember it is not about gaining more material things, but it is about receiving God’s supernatural favor so that everyone in your home is blessed.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” – As long as you are obedient to God’s will, you should believe that goodness and mercy will permeate your home’s atmosphere. Even though sometimes you may get off the pathway, God’s grace is so amazing he will still love and forgive you as you get back on track to making your home a sanctuary. Never give up on yourself or your home, because God’s goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord” – Your ultimate security lies in your faith that as long as you stay connected to God you will dwell in His house. Let God dwell and take up residence in your earthly home, so you can feel his ever lasting love. Only until you meet him face to face will you truly dwell in the house of the Lord.”
“Forever” – It is great to know that as God’s children we will have eternal life, and you will be with Him forever. This should bring you peace, joy and contentment.
In summary, I encourage you take the time to listen Jeff Majors rendition of Psalms 23 on my website: www.nitasglow.com. Begin to think about the words of this song as a rich resource to bring peace, hope and joy to your home.
Blessings and Favor,
Nita
