Journal for May 23…When You Have Jesus

5:41 AM

Psalm 23

Father…You have been more than good to me. When I consider what I would deserve without the representation of Christ, You have been truly good to me. I thank You for my salvation, fixed in Heaven; for my life and ministry; for my family…the loved ones You chose for me; for my health; for every good and perfect gift.

It's a familiar passage, Lord, but always good to meditate on again, Psalm 23. When a person has Jesus, they have a shepherd - and every life, every soul needs a divine shepherd. We have all we need. I lack nothing that's important. There is rest, true divine rest for the soul -- those quiet moments of meditation in chaos and busy-ness. With Jesus there is renewed, or restored, soul/life. Jesus is able to make all things new. With Jesus a person has chosen paths down which You, Father, lead us/me. In our darkest times we have the company of the Lord, Your presence. With Jesus we/I have the balance of discipline and guidance that brings comfort in the chaos…always for my good. Lord, You are an advocate with me against my enemies. When a person has Jesus they have purpose and meaning, like a king anointed for service. And with Jesus, there is a divine love that pursues me all the time…all the days, and every day, of my life. And with Jesus, I have a future home in Heaven. I know the end of the psalm is about worshiping in the temple for all a person's life, but Heaven is the ultimate presence and glory of God! With Jesus there is always a future.

You are actively engaged in my life; loving me, comforting me, guiding me, and moving me in the direction of where You are, Heaven/New Earth. I tend to stray and get distracted, but one day I will be with You and all my friends and family that embrace You as Savior.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; the King of Creation! …Jesus, Jesus, Jesus: there's just something about that Name; Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.

Be glorified somehow today, Lord, in this godless, self-centered world. I am second.