Walking with the Shepherd: Embracing Psalm 23 in the New Year

Psalm 23 as this New Year’s Focus

Yay, it’s the new year you all and I am here all about Psalm 23. A new year of hope, trust, faith, anticipations, resolutions, dreams, plans and yes expectations. Of many things that we have achieved, missed or carried on from 2024, here we are alive and kicking. It is a sign of the never-ending love, mercies, grace and movement of God in our lives. And that is up for no debate.  A grateful heart, an expecting spirit and a surrendering soul, this year, this new month, this new day and this moment you are reading through these paragraphs, is all you need. 

I would love to ask how you ended or finished the last year. But, knowing that you are reading this post right now, I believe, the grace of God is upon you. Yes, because being alive is foremost to experiencing God and everything you need for this year. And for that, I bless the name of the LORD for you. He has been faithful, truthful to His Word, and a promise keeper through it all. This is not about what I planned and hoped to happen. This is about the Word I sought from Him and its fulfilment. And, yes, this is about the hope that, even if it didn’t happen then, with grace and mercies as long as I am alive, I will not despair. Yes, I am sure I will see the goodness of God in this land of the living. The Living.

The New Years Walk

For as many resolutions, plans and expectations as I have for this year, I am just looking ahead for the Lord to order my steps (Psalm 119). I know you are like, what is this being said? Leaving all life decisions in the hands of the unknown. Oh, no. I know Him whom I am surrendering it all. I have been safe then, I will be safe now. And as we communicate, communion daily, this year, I am going to see more growth and being than I did last year. It is important that you listen to the testimony first before any criticism is raised

Psalm 23

So, for this year, I choose to live walking and moving with Psalm 23. Yes, it is the book that my spirit has just received. What is yours

You know the same Psalm, of David, the King, the son of Jesse and yes the one after King Saul. Overlooked and all, it just depends on how you associate with him and his walk with the King of kings, the Lord God. 

There is something about Psalm 23, among many others that he wrote that just summarizes everything a man is walking with God. Some others are 18 and 19, they just make understand a lot of things about life, a man who walks with God, surrender, honest and God.

Why Psalm 23

As I have written before, it has everything. A prayer, a song, an assurance, surrender, expectations, hope and trust in God the Almighty to the end of times. And with that, I choose to walk 2025. Wow.

The Shepherd’s Promise in Psalm 23:1

It is true, this sounds like a promise that in everything the Lord is with us as a shepherd to the sheep. 

But there is something more here. David, with reference to his journey in life since his childhood and everything that he has gone through, this was his assurance. Assurance and standing that, the Lord has been coming through it all and has been there since then, He will always be there for him.

What is the testimony that you carry in your life? What is the Word you are walking by in life? Think about that is the one thing you just know that, that was God? And if He came through then, I know He is always and I can count on Him for this and that to come. 

Don’t think grandy. That accident you were saved from. That job you lost but with peace and assurance knew it was the right thing to happen because something in you couldn’t just keep on doing it. Or not only the positives but the negatives as well. 

How prepared and surrendered are you in Christ, in God, looking forward to living this moment, knowing He just got you? Nothing grand. Moments are miracles. Miracles are in moments. Because He is my shepherd, He has proven Himself faithful to me to deny that He got me; therefore I shall never want. 

In Guidance and Rest (Psalm 23:2-3)

This is the year. The year of higher heights, deeper relationships and stronger anchor in Him. You see, it is not a blind faith. It requires actions and that includes surrender, following and responding to the call. 

The call to rest, peace, refreshments and just surrender to His leadership. Someone said it takes height to manifest. I will add it takes surrender and faith to be where God leads, at the time He does and receive what He is offering. 

As you wait, pray for, expect and hope for rest and provisions, easiness and peace; remember to always seek Him through His Word, surrendering to the Holy Spirit and trusting that through the Salvation in Christ Jesus, we have access to not only the hand of the Father but also His face. 

The LORD told David to seek His face; Moses went to Mount Horeb and asked to see the Lord; John as he was taken in Spirit saw the face of God. 

It is true we can pray and ask God for provisions, but there should be more we seek in Christ as we are guided by His Holy Spirit. These are the last days. As much as you would love riches, like Solomon, ask for wisdom, understanding, favour, and knowledge. These are things, and yes in the Spirit of God make people relevant in this world.

It is a holy, righteous living, it is a godly living that separates us to be used by the Holy Spirit for healing, manifestations and preaching of the WORD for impact. As much as, the knowledge we tell men, Jesus saves, if people will not witness the salvation works of Christ, it will take time to believe. Through the WORD and Power.

The Valleys of the Year (Verse 4)

Am I signifying that the year will be of rest and upgrade and uplifting and provisions alone? Yes. 100%. But does the verse speak about challenges, issues and yes, unknown challenges? Yes, 100%.

There is something as a believer you should remember. The verse speaks of the valley of the shadows of death and not actual death. Will one as a believer go through challenges? Yes. Will one be faced with issues that might be unthinkable? As a believer. Yes and more. 

But in our walk with God, we are not alone. He is with us. He protects us through it all.

Just a bit bit…

Remember the cartoon of Simba? The original one. The one from 1994. I am the original generation and there is nothing the current versions can do to change that. It isn’t about the cartoon, it is about my childhood. And that is very personal. 

About the cartoon, remember when Simba is chased through the elephant’s grave by the hyenas? You don’t see anything but bones and death around. I mean apart from the Nala and Zazu. That moment was always scary when I was young. The chase. The close in the cave. The scary hyenas. Well, there is one part that was just satisfying. 

The young Simba scrapped the hyena with claws to help his friend Nala who was sliding down the hill. 

I believe it was at that moment that Simba remembered who he was. I mean, to use what you have, you must be aware you are and can do so.

So, the valleys

In the valleys of the shadow of death, remembering that God is with us, and not only Him but His hand, his authority, power and position (rod and stick) is important. So, whenever you are going through a challenge, call on the Name of the Lord, remember His salvation, ponder and meditate on His power, for He IS with you always, believe so, for He is.

The Valleys will be there, but they won’t take you out for we serve an undefeated KING and the God. stand believing. The shadows, fear, and worry, though they come, focus on the eternal Shepherd. 

Do not get yourself in trouble hoping to be saved (like in The Lion King). Of course, the Lord will save, but there should be wisdom in decision-making, living and relationships. We are not here to be forgiven and saved alone, we are here to walk with the Lord of all, manifest God’s love, power and yes presence.

God’s Abundance Throughout the Year (Psalm 23:5)

The cup will overflow this year. Do you believe, hope, expect and position yourself as such? The Lord can use any vessel for greatness. That is true. But there is something about positioning, being set apart, sacred and being in the Hands of the Father moulded for works that make a difference.

See, there is something about using your talent to serve the Lord. Be a singer, praise and worship, be a motivational speaker, be a teacher. But there is something bout saying God, I am in your hands, make me who you want me to be. 

Remember Saul. He was a King. Handsome man, chosen from the lowest tribe to be a king, the first King of the Israelites. Remember David, the giant slayer.  There was so much going on with him including the need for assurance need for validation. But with David, whose journey began with rejections, how he had to fight all his life. But yet, he was a man after God’s heart. He pleased the Lord.

Remember Abraham, Lot. The child of the concubine (servant) and Isaac. It is not about being used or sustained. It is about living the will of God, surrendering in the hands of the Father. Just like Moses, life is full of twists and turns, but it is with that surrender, total surrender to God, that He moulds us into something for glory. Not human opinions, groups, crowds or cheer. 

The Walk with God for a Glorious End this New Year

This song just came into my heart a few weeks ago. A certain young boy had sung it like 10 or 15 years ago. The song just went viral blessing many young people, parents and singers then.

So I was like, let me check what was new since then. Only to find out that a young child, being choked by the world, went from gospel to prevention and other changes that make you question. Was God really working, walking with him?

The answer came to me. If he was walking with God, if God was the coore, anchor and focus of his walk, worship or even singing, his journey could have been different. God told me something, if it is not about me it is about the cheer of men. The fall. As we live in this world, the only focus should be the glory of God, not your name, or fame. If the focus is for people to know you, when do they know about Christ? 

This is the year of abundance. In new levels, in new heights. But remember, as the cup runs over, overflows, you got to remain in the hands of Him who anoint your head. Remember to focus on Him who not only fills you with abundance but also makes life and oil flow through you. What to do with salt that loses its savour? It is only fit to be cast out, thrown, and be trodden under the foot of men.

Keep your position. Fight to stand. As Ephesians 6 finishes. It is not only about fighting principalities and powers through the Word, Faith, Salvation, Righteousness and Readness to preach the Gospel. It is about Standing through it all, and yes, STANDING even firm after everything. SO Stand.

Towards the Eternal Home Psalm 23:6

We just need to believe, that as long as we walk with God, being in Christ, abiding in Him every moment, choosing Him with every breath, His presence is with us. God is with us. And with that, we know we dwell in the Hous of the Lord forever. And this is where He is. So, if He is within us, around us, beside us and yes we are Him, we walk, live and manifest God; where we are God is and that is home, now and forever.

With mercies and goodness through love, grace and provisions, with Himself poursed in Us and through us to others, we know this journey home, is an exciting one. 

Takeaways;

• Choose to always remember the testimony of the Lord, for it is sure making wise the simple.
• It is easy to stand on what He has done, trusting him for what is to come (that is wisdom) Psalm 19
• We have no other Lord, God besides Him, He made us, died for us, saved us, forgives us; helps us and teaches us to believe Him and live righteously as He sustains us, in Him we lack nothing.
• He supplies in abundance. All this, for His own. What excuse do you have? For not believing? For not surrendering. Psalm 100; 2 Corinthians 3; Revelation 1; Ephesians 2; Genesis 1; 2 Corinthians 5; Romans 5; John 3; Ephesians 2; 1 John 1; Titus 2; Romans 10; James 5; Colossians 2; Ephesians 4; 1 John 1; Psalm 103; Mark 11; Romans 6; Isaiah 1; Hebrews 10; Mathew 26; Mathew 6; 
• And He does this daily. For His mercies are new every morning.
• He is making something new. Lamentation 3; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8; Psalm 90; Revelation 21; Isaiah 43; 2 Corinthians 5; 1 Peter 1; Ezekiel 11; Ezekiel 36; Isaiah 40; Isaiah 65; Ecclesiastes 3; Isaiah 42; 

Remember

• His thoughts are higher; He doesn’t want us to perish.
• His will always be done and that includes you knowing Him (your choice, free will- but if you choose, He got you) Jeremiah 29; Job 8; John 1; Malachi 4; 
• May this be your year of everything Psalm 23 has. The journey of total surrender, overflowing provisions in anointing and power, gratitude, love, a helping hand and healing. Romans 8:28; John 3; 
• You are Christ’s vessel, you are the Host of the Holy Spirit, and you are for signs and wonders.
• Let all see your Light, His love through you this Year. Philippians 4; Isaiah 65; Ephesians 2; Colossians 1; Romans 6; Romans 12;  Romans 6; 
• It is not about experience. It takes humility, brokenness and meekness to move, go and walk deeper with God. It is yet, through His guidance, possible. Faith, practice, work it. 

New Year’s Resolution/Challenge

You and the children the LORD has given you, are for signs and wonders. Live 2025 as so, seeking His face, choose to walk with him, His guidance and leadership, surrender and obedience, in righteousness, holiness and glory. For His Name in Christ Jesus. In this new year, let Psalm 23 be an affirmation, a testimony and a prayer as you begin, go through or end your day.

Choose to live consciously, choose to believe decisively. 

Happy New Year, Blessed Season and Gracious Month!

Shalom.

Sincerely,

Karah