Like many people, Psalm 23 is a favorite of mine. As I was reading it earlier today, the last four words of verse 3 caught my attention: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
A person’s understanding of these four words may be limited because he thinks of God just as God. The Hebrew language of the Old Testament is much more expressive and describes God in much more colorful and explicit terminology. The different names of God emphasize the way He interacts with HIs creation:
- Jehovah-rophe (the Lord who heals you)
- Jehovah-raah (the caring Shepherd)
- Jehovah-jireh (the will provide)
- Jehovah-shalom (the Lord is peace)
The personal application for us is that when we are struggling with emotional or physical issues, we can call out to Jevovah-rophe. When we feel like we are alone and no one cares, Jehovah-raah is present. When we do not know where to turn or what to do, Jehovah-jireh will provide. When the world seems to be shattered and crumbling beneath our feet, Jehovah-shalom is the peace in the eye of the storm.
I hope his name’s sake will be enough to keep you thinking.
insightbyseymour 