Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 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.
Today I read the twenty third Psalm as a prayer...Sometimes when our troubles get so overwhelming we need help...King David was a shepherd and knows much about shepherding and sheep...David's life as a shepherd most likely influenced the rich imagery used in this psalm, particularly the metaphor of God as being his shepherd...And as I read Psalm 23 today, maybe David is a little overwhelmed...
David says: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."...This opening declaration establishes a profound relationship between the psalmist and to his Father in heaven... The image of a Shepherd evokes protection, guidance, and provision...The Good Shepherd will provide help when His sheep need help and assistance...
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters."...We find the imagery of rest and refreshment as presented by David...It suggests a life nourished by God's LOVE, Forgiveness, and Grace...
"He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake."...Our Father in Heaven can give us spiritual renewal and guidance...Our Father not only cares for physical and mental needs but, also He restores the soul...
"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."...This verse tells us as Jesus says, in this life we will have troubles...We sometimes in life will be overwhelmed with its challenges...But the assurance of God's Presence and His LOVE overcomes fear...Perfect LOVE drives out fear...
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."...God will provide our daily needs, and provide comfort in our days of despair and the times of overwhelming troubles...
"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."...
The LORD will not fail us...This final verse is telling us to Believe in the LORD, to Hope in the LORD, and to Trust in the LORD, because His LOVE is unfailing forever...