Psalms 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted Psalms in the entire Bible. In addition to it encompassing so many facets of our walk with the Lord, it speaks volumes about the character of God. As we read through the psalm, the first line sets the scene. “The Lord is my shepherd…” David places the Lord into the rightful place from the very start. When we remember that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, we will never be in want. God will meet all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
When we forget that He is our Shepherd, we begin to stray from the flock. We often seek after the things that wont satisfy, but in His grace, he will restore us to the green pastures and still waters. We will be filled and comforted as we seek after Him. Our desires will be put back into the right place and he will restore our souls to find contentment in Him.
Often in our lives we will encounter challenges of various kinds. Job loss, health issues, family strife and the like will cause us to feel like we are walking alone, in a deep dark valley. But we have nothing to fear! The Lord is always with us and will always comfort us. If we need correction, His gentle staff will guide us to repentance and His rod will keep us safe and on the right path.
Though we may have people come against, the Lord will care for our needs and desires as we seek Him. Our lives will be so filled to the brim that we wont be able to contain it. As we follow after our Lord, we have the assurance that we will never be separated from Him. For all eternity we will be in his house and living with abundant joy and peace all the days of our life. It is his kindness and mercy that leads to repentance and freedom in Christ.
Today as I reflect on this psalm, I am comforted in my challenges, corrected in my sin, and reminded that we have an inheritance that will never fade away. It can’t be stolen, lost, or in any way taken away. Thank you Lord for the gift of Psalm 23. It reminds me that you are my Good Shepherd and you know best what I need.