May 8, 2023 -- Psalm 23:6b -- The Psalm Series: on Whom or What is your delight focused?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:6b ESV

There is an old joke that goes something like this “if I knew I only had a day to live, I’d spend it with my ex. That way it’d feel like forever.” Psalm 23 may not resonate with many people because of this ending phrase. Sure, people might like to have green pastures and be led safely through the valley of the shadow of death. It’d be awesome to show up your enemies and have your head anointed at the table by the Good Shepherd. But the final line is the high point of the whole—the one loved by the LORD may spend eternity in presence of the Good Shepherd. This is where the Psalm distinguishes between those who love the Good Shepherd and those who only love what He can do for them.

Is your life goal centred around the joyful expectation that one day you will see Jesus and sin will be no more?! Much of the Psalm provides such tremendous comfort for this life. But all these comforts, all these blessings are given with an eye towards eternity where the believer will rejoice to be in His presence. No wonder Jesus will, at the end of the age when He judges all the nations and all people say to some people who acted like they were Christians and fooled many “depart from Me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23).

Is it God Himself your desire? Is your delight centred on Jesus Christ, and growing ever more so in Him as the Spirit reveals to you more and more of Who He is? Our prayer today is the last 2/3 of Psalm 16, which prayerfully declares one's desire for God Himself.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
   You hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD Who gives me counsel 
   in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
   because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
   my flesh also dwells secure.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
   or let Your Holy One see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
   in Your presence is fullness of joy;
   at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:5-11 ESV

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Psalm 23 Shane and Shane

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