T H E 2 3 R D P S A L M
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1. Many versions of the Bible translate "I shall not want" as "there is nothing I need" or "I lack nothing," which some readers feel is unrealistic. What are your feelings about this verse? Does it comfort you?
2. When have you turned to this psalm--during times of grief, relationship trouble, or financial distress? Why?
3. What places, people, or situations are "green pastures" or "restful waters" to you? When do you feel God's presence most?
4. We know many people who have struggled through "dark valleys"--times of severe grief. What have you learned from these people about God's nature?
5. In the Hebrew Bible and in Christian rites, anointing with oil is associated with receiving God's spirit. How do you understand the idea of being anointed?
6. The Hebrew word often translated "follow" is actually closer in meaning to the word "pursue": "Goodness and kindness will pursue me." Why would God pursue us? Do you feel this happening in your life?
7. Do you see "dwelling in the house of the Lord" as a heavenly or an earthly state?
My Answers are inside the Comments section,
You can answer one or all the questions if you like!
posted by ShawnQt at
2:10 AM
8 Comments:
M Y A N S W E R S
1. Many versions of the Bible translate "I shall not want" as "there is nothing I need" or "I lack nothing," which some readers feel is unrealistic. What are your feelings about this verse? Does it comfort you?
When you read the first part, with the second, you have to understand the visual of what the writer is trying to say. If the "Lord" is a shepard, then in context, we are the sheep. The Shepard provides for the sheep. We are taken care of by GOD. In context, we don't want to be "lost sheep", we are just in need of someone that will guide us and protect us.
2. When have you turned to this psalm--during times of grief, relationship trouble, or financial distress? Why?
Because the psalm describes an illustration of a Shepard and its sheep, I feel as if I need to be protected, as if I am lost during my personal problems. When trouble and distress arises, I feel like I am in need of someone to take me out of danger, because I don't have the belief that I can do it myself. Reading this puts me in a place where I am in need, and then as I read it more, I am empowered to be my true self in the eyes of GOD... "God-likeness" or "Jesus-Like". GOD has given all of us the ability, through GOD, to handle any problem that comes our way. This psalm, for me, answers my call for help, and lifts me back up.
3. What places, people, or situations are "green pastures" or "restful waters" to you? When do you feel God's presence most?
Green pastures are the elements of life that sustain you. Love. Honor. Strength. Motivation. Intergrity. Honesty. etc. They can be places like a church or a tree on a hill. It can be a hug from your mother, or laying on the beach with your loved one. It can be a new job, or just a state of mind.
Restful waters to me is Peace of Mind. Through peace of mind, comes inspiration, creativity, and the abilty to evolve.
I feel God's presence most when I ease my mind, and focus on GOD. When I focus on GOD's energy, visions and thoughts run out of me. This is when my soul is centered, and I can control any situation.
4. We know many people who have struggled through "dark valleys"--times of severe grief. What have you learned from these people about God's nature?
That the dark valleys never lasts forever, there is always a way out, and it only makes you stronger.
5. In the Hebrew Bible and in Christian rites, anointing with oil is associated with receiving God's spirit. How do you understand the idea of being anointed?
Remembering who you are in connection to GOD. Knowing what Jesus did for us, and what message he has given to humanity. Knowing what my African Ancestors have done to enhance humanity, and how we moved out of adversity. Remembering that if all these people can do wonders, so can I.
6. The Hebrew word often translated "follow" is actually closer in meaning to the word "pursue": "Goodness and kindness will pursue me." Why would God pursue us? Do you feel this happening in your life?
Contrary to beleif, we are blessed and honored people. It is our "orginal blessing" to continue to defeat any energy that would diminish the Legacy of GOD. Even when I feel I don't deserve some of my blessings, GOD still blesses me!!! All I can do is honor that, because I know God has a Destiny for me in God's Legacy.
7. Do you see "dwelling in the house of the Lord" as a heavenly or an earthly state?
Both.
By
ShawnQt, at 12:14 PM
Hey this post was unexpectedly amazing. Good to see another side of you. You got many levels to yourself, I see.
4. We know many people who have struggled through "dark valleys"--times of severe grief. What have you learned from these people about God's nature?
Here, we learn that we are simply not alone in our struggles. We each are tested from one degree to another, so that our committment and faith can be challenged.
By
Bougie Black Boy, at 4:37 PM
I like this post...especially because we've had the chat on spirituality before.
1. I shall not want. I believe this is true because I dont have a want for anything! I know my heavenly father can do All! I do find comfort in knowing that God's promises are true to me and whatever I am lacking, GOD will make a way for me whether I am deserving of it or not.
2. I usually don't read the bible in times of trial. I pray, worship, fellowship and listen to gospel music. I read the bible for understanding and motivation when all is well.
3. I feel GODS presence all the time. He is always with me, watching, protecting me as I go about.
4. I know that GOD works, he moves. He makes a way out of no way. GOD uses people as examples...and it makes you say, if they can go through that or if they can do it, I know I can. And people may not necessarily know that it's GOD working through that person.
5. I believe being anointed is being able to share GOD's word and experience with others and to be able to provide a "testimony" on what he's done for you.
6. GOD is constantly pursuing those, just to let us know what he can do for us, all he asks is that we live close to him as we possibly can and obey his word. He does things that no one else can do or comprehend.
7. I am going to jack Shawns answer, dwelling in the house of GOD is in heaven and earth.
By
Dubbed As Trent Jackson, at 7:04 PM
I agree with everybody else. Def'ly feelin this post. "I shall not want" because God has provided all that I need.
This has given me a lot of insight on my current state in life and I give you your props for keepin it real.
Can't read just once... :-)
Peace.
By
heartbreaker, at 9:19 PM
2. When have you turned to this psalm--during times of grief, relationship trouble, or financial distress? Why?
It brings comfort to know that I'm not alone and not completely misunderstood. lol
3. What places, people, or situations are "green pastures" or "restful waters" to you? When do you feel God's presence most?
church (i guess), relationships, in my work and the things i do, peace of mind, just the breath in my lungs and the light in my eyes...
4. We know many people who have struggled through "dark valleys"--times of severe grief. What have you learned from these people about God's nature?
That God is merciful, and that He's there in spite of how hard something may seem, He's always brought me out of every dark valley I've been in, in spite of what it was that got me to that place in life, even if I knew it was coming,
5. In the Hebrew Bible and in Christian rites, anointing with oil is associated with receiving God's spirit. How do you understand the idea of being anointed?
Being free, knowing that there is a relationship and a connection between God the Father, and me His child, it brings honor to know I have a belonging to someone and it shows how significant I am to Him
6. The Hebrew word often translated "follow" is actually closer in meaning to the word "pursue": "Goodness and kindness will pursue me." Why would God pursue us? Do you feel this happening in your life?
I do feel this happening in my life. The constant tugging of wanting me close.
7. Do you see "dwelling in the house of the Lord" as a heavenly or an earthly state?
both... yeah Shawn, I debo'd your answer, too... :)
By
heartbreaker, at 9:35 PM
Hmmm... I like it but hmmm.. let me read it again and get back to you on that.
Hey, check out my question of the week. Answer it too. I will have one posted every week!
By
Mark Smith, at 5:39 AM
You know what - this has ALWAYS been a literary masterpiece. The original Hebrew is outstanding and to grasp an understanding from various translations is hot! Here's my favorite translation:
--
The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, brining honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
It's interesting to compare this to the life of David when he penned these words in the Chronicles! But plainly put, David is really highlighting three important points using the mentality of the shepherd!
1. The Shepherd's Provision
2. The Shepherd's Protection
3. The Shepherd's Preservation
Coming Into Reality,
-Jamal
By
Darius T. Williams, at 8:50 AM
Shawn, I wanted you to know that as I go through my personal valley, which is not a bad thing, I find this post to be most enlightening.
I want to meditate on my own answers to these questions first. I wan't to be able to introspectively know why I feel the way I do regarding these things.
I would probably get extremely emotional. I am saving you the trouble.
But this, balanced my day. I feel that I have felt the odd and even in the day and I owe it to you and unconquerable soul.
Stay blessed, cause you have blessed.
By
The Divo, at 8:51 PM
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