Psalm 23

January 25, 2006

This Psalm is the most beloved of the scripture to we who follow the true Shepherd Jesus Christ. God is our protector, guide, and provider to we who have been saved.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

When Jesus is our Shepherd there will be nothing we lack if we put our trust in Him. I don’t know about you but sometimes my wants overkill my needs. How about you? It is so easy to want more than we need… we need to learn to find satisfaction in our Shepherd.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

I have had many a restless nights in my life and then when I think of this Psalm my heart is encouraged to rest in our Lord. Even when the waters of anxieties encompass me He can still them totally when I rest in Him. I pray you experience this same rest for Our God promises He will lead us in righteousness and we will have peace.

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

Yes, God through Christ Jesus fulfilled his promise to send the Messiah. Jesus came so that you and I could be saved and live a life that pleases our God. When I was deep in sin and had a void in my heart…God sent His Son into my heart and void no longer is present.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

In 2004, I remember my dad going down the hall to receive radiation therapy for cancer. As I watched him slowly walk down the hall I would pray and ask God to watch over him. I knew dad thought about his death during that time and he knew we were praying. Our God not only surrounded me with peace but I knew dad had that same peace within his soul. How do I know? He would come out with such a positive look and say, I have this many left to go through. At that moment I knew God was with us, His rod was present, and His staff was wrapped around both of us.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5

We as God’s children never need to worry about the enemy claiming victory for God has given us all we need to have victory through life’s sufferings. He will reveal himself in our lives when we trust him completely. He will fill us with peace amid difficulties. Yes, and today he is preparing a place for us to live with him forever.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23:6

We need not fear troubles or death. God promises mercy and goodness to those who follow him. And in the end we get to dwell in His house forever. I love it and know in my heart when all is said and done, I am out of here to be with my Savior.

Lord there are some who are afraid right now and I ask thy peace that you our Shepherd gives. Help them to know the path of righteousness that only you can give. Anoint them with oil, place thy rod around them, and most of all give them mercy and grace. In Jesus Name. AMEN