THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD THERE IS NOTHING I SHALL WANT

I am requesting that you read this psalm every day, if possible, for it is one of the most beautiful and
meaningful of all the psalms.

Many people associate this psalm with death. Well, in a way it should be associated with death, but
not death of the body as much as death of self, death to materialism in one's life, death to fear and
worry. For this song is really about life, life with the divine Shepherd who is always near to guide his
sheep back to the fold and to provide the care needed for those within the fold and those who have
wandered away. The divine Shepherd is always there to supply the necessary needs to his flock.

If you truly believe in me and trust in me, you will be willing to give up life's lure of material
excitement and let me take over your life daily. Do not be afraid to let go of material quests--these
are fleeting joys--but the life I invite you to live will last forever. For I will lead you "through greener
pastures," where you will graze and be fed with the food of life, and "toward still waters," where you
will be refreshed and your life will take on new meaning. I will lead you to your destiny that has been
planned for you from the beginning of time. You will find the true excitement of life that can only be
found "in me, through me, and with me."

At this time of uncertainty in the world, many of my people are enveloped with worry or fear about
the future, about the economy, about their work conditions, about money, in general. Oh, you of little
faith! If you really believe in me, not with lip service, but with your whole heart and soul, you must
know that I will always provide your needs for you, not with the richness that the world provides,
but with the richness of my world, a richness that only I can provide. My ways are not the ways of
the world. I provide for my flock very well. I give to all of them beautiful, exciting gifts that the world
cannot fathom.

The world is in such disarray at this time [that] unless you are united with me, you cannot be happy
or free. Oh, some may say that they are happy, that they do not need my guidance, but I tell you this
is a lie. Remember, I see the heart and I know that because of the world's situation, all people in the
world today are hurting, either physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Therefore, I come
among you and ask that you turn over your lives to me. Let me tend to your needs. Every morning
on awakening, give thanks and praise to your God for blessing you with a new beginning, for each
new day is a gift from God. Turn your hours of each day over to me and let me guide you on your
daily course. I promise you, your life will never be the same again. Even if you "walk in the valley of
darkness," do not fear, for I will be there to comfort you. For during your walk with me, you will
encounter trials and tribulations, but remember during this time to hold onto my staff, pick up your
cross and follow my lead, and I will guide you to a safe place where all your cares and tears will be
wiped away.

I will tend to you as your gentle shepherd and take away your crosses, wipe the tears from your
eyes, and gather you up and lead you on the right path back to my heavenly kingdom. You have
often heard the phrase, "Come all who labor and are weary, and I will comfort you and take away
your burdens," and you will find joy--not the joy that is found in this world, but the joy of my world
which surpasses all human understanding. My joy is akin to the joy that abounds at Christmastime,
only more so. You know when the spirit of Christmas fills your world, how people await with joy
that eventful day that brings laughter, a sense of wonder, a childlike attitude, a peaceful calm, and a
gathering of loved ones. Even more than this is the joy that awaits all who come to me, your gentle
shepherd, and who let me guide you on the straight path back to your rightful place in my kingdom.

Some of you will undoubtedly ask, "Is it so bad to have money prestige, a nice home, car, etc.?" Let
me clarify: it is not wrong for you to have money, nice homes, or clothes for your body, for these are
gifts from God, and, as you always do when you receive a gift, you should give special thanks to
God for allowing you to reap the benefits of this world. And remember, if you are fortunate to have
these benefits, you must realize that they are not yours to use for greedy purposes. You must share
your wealth with those less fortunate, open your homes to the weary, share your bounty with the
needy, and then you will feel a new sense of peace and happiness. Let the outpouring of you heart
overflow to those less fortunate. "If your cup overfloweth," give the leftovers to others; do not hoard
them, for if you follow these rules, only "goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life"
on this earth. When it is time for you to leave this earth, if you have been faithful and obedient to your
divine Shepherd, he will welcome you into the heavenly kingdom where you "will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever."

So, if your life is in turmoil at the present time--if you are out of work, if your burdens seem too
heavy to bear, if you are frightened of the future--remember this gentle shepherd who tends his flock
with such tender love. When you are weary and find it difficult to pray, read Psalm 23 and meditate
on the words. You will find peace amidst strife and in times of trouble, memorize this song and sing
praises to the good Shepherd who tends to your needs at all times. You will find your life renewed
and strengthened, with a new sense of hope and joy. I am the good Shepherd. I tend to my flock
with loving care. So, come to me often in praise and thanksgiving and together we will overcome the
world's gloom.

Your friend and savior and your gentle shepherd,

JESUS