A Sunday School teacher decided to have her Second-Grade class memorize Psalm 23, “The Lord is My Shepherd.” Bobby was excited, but he wasn’t very good at memorizing. After much practice, his turn came to recite Psalm 23 before the congregation. The teacher was nervous. He stepped up to the microphone and proudly announced, “The Lord is my Shepherd—and…   and… —and that’s all I need to know!"

In one phrase, Bobby captured the whole meaning: “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I lack.”  These words touch so many of us deeply. If we have trouble or fear, darkness and death and sickness, Jesus has our back—Jesus restores my strength, anoints my head with oil.  To sum it up, the genuine meaning of Psalm 23 means, “God’s companionship transforms every situation.” 

What does “God’s companionship” mean? The apostles were busy with “people coming and going” so Jesus calls them to rest in God’s companionship when he says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

We all need a time of quiet listening, away from the noise and the crowds, to feel God comforting us as a companion and a shepherd. Have you felt God’s care lately? Or do you take your work with you, work too late at night, and fall exhausted into bed?  If so—you do indeed need the Shepherd to help you set priorities. Taking time to really LIVE your life will make you and everyone you love healthier and happier.