daily java

Daily Java:

The LORD is my shepherd;
      I have all that 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,
      bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
      through the darkest valley,
   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 honor me by 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. (Psalm 23)

Rare is the person who has not heard this psalm, at least in the old King James Version.

I suppose that the reason is that it answers a need, touches a chord that we all have: a need for the presence of God in our lives.

Few people really like being alone. The vast majority of people want to know that there is someone there, someone who cares for them, who loves them, who watches over them.

I read about the mountain men, and sometimes the lifestyle appeals to me. The idea of being by yourself, seeing beautiful country, independence.

But that independence comes at a price. The price is loneliness. Those men were truly alone. There was no one within miles of them who even cared that they lived, or loved them, or even noticed them.

I know in my life that my wife loves me. She cares for me on a level that even my mother doesn’t. But there will come a time when she is gone. There will come a time when it is probable that I will be by myself.

But I can know that even then, I will not be alone. The Lord will be with me. He will care, he will notice, he will love me.

All earthly relationships, no matter how good, will one day cease. But I can know that I will one day live in his house forever.