Blessed Assurance

A Study in the Psalms: Psalm 23

Keller, W. Phillip. "I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord For Ever" A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1970. 136-142. Print.

Psalm 23:6b

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This psalm opens and closes on a positive note with, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." It provides a picture of a sheep so utterly content that it wants nothing else. There is no desire for change.

The word "house" used here in the poem has a wider meaning than most people could attach to it. Normally we speak of the house of the Lord as the sanctuary or church or meeting place of God's people. In one sense David may have had this in mind. And, of course, it is pleasant to think that one would always delight to be found in the Lord's house. 

But it must be kept in mind always, that the Psalmist, writing from the standpoint of a sheep, is reflecting on and recounting the full round of the year's activities for the flock.

He has taken us from green pastures and still waters of the home ranch, up through the mountain passes onto the high tablelands of the summer range. Fall has come with its storms and rain and sleet that drives the sheep down the foothills and back to the home ranch for the long, quiet winter. In a sense this is coming home. It is a return to the fields and the corrals and barns and shelters of the owner's home. During all seasons of the year, with their hazards, dangers and disturbances, it is the rancher's alertness, care and energetic management that has brought the sheep through satisfactorily. (137)

In a broader sense, the word "house" refers to the family or flock of the Good Shepherd. I can experience a sense of satisfaction and belonging in the family of God. It brings on a feeling of pride to be part of Christ's flock. As Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."

Keller tells this story of how the sheep on the other side of his ranch were poorly managed and day after day, they would look through the fence at his sheep as if they longed to be on the "good" side. When the opportunity arose for them to sneak over to the "good" side, they did so, but because they were so malnourished, they became sick on the rich pastures. Keller would find them, and have to return them to their owner because they didn't belong to him. The owner, in turn, would kill them because they were too sick to care for. Satan, representative of the owner of the other flock, could care less about his sheep. This is a picture of what life is like for those without Christ; those part of Satan's flock. There is only one gate through which we can enter, that is Christ (John 10:9). Sadly, there will be those in the end who will find out they were not truly part of Christ's flock because they tried to sneak in another way, whether it was through good works, charity, or just being nice (Matthew 25:31-46).

Keller tells of this incident because he's trying to get across the point that being part of Christ's flock brings so much more peace and security even though there are tough paths to travel. Being one of Christ's sheep, I know I will be cared for with the best care possible. Because I belong to Him, I am able to be in God's presence now and forevermore. My physical body will die, but my spirit will continue to live on forever with God.

I am so thankful that Christ never tires of caring for me. It is His presence that brings me peace in the midst of trouble. I need to live my life fully aware of God's presence in every activity.

I love the words of the hymn, Blessed Assurance, by Fanny Crosby. Take some time to reflect on them.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. 

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels, descending, bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. 

After the long "path" of life that Christ leads me through, I will, one day, return home to be with God forever. All the sadness, troubles and difficulties I face in this life will be worth it all when I reach home and see my Savior face to face! I don't know about you, but I'm so thankful this world will not last forever!

Philippians 3:18-21 (NLT)

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control.

Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

Praise be to God!

1.