Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides 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 love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
a psalm of David
The LORD is My Shepherd
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.
The twenty third Psalm, is a favorite of many...And of the New International Version (NIV) or the King James Version (KJV), I like to read the King James Version better...These are such beutiful words to our Father from David...
God comforts us through His grace...King David was close to God, and had a distinct relationship with Him...Written by David, this would be and is a great hymn or poem for God and about God...
Sometimes we do want "things"... But we should know the difference between wants and needs and know that God is taking care of our essentials of life...God takes care of those, who hope in the LORD...God blesses us...
Everyday we are all drawn to the pleasures of our senses...But King David goes beyond these wants and desires...We should go to the goodness of God, in His will of goodness...Then all pastures are green and the waters are quiet...God is in control...He is our shepherd...
When David was a young man, he was a shepherd and knew what is was to protect his flock...The rod and staff were a comfort for the sheep...We must trust in the Great Shepherd's care and comfort and know no matter what is happening at this particular time God is there...God is there trust Him and pray to Him...
We sometimes do walk (in the valley of death) and have fearful times...But as long as we know God is with us, we should fear no evil...If God is with us, who and what can be against us...So during uncertain times pray and hold on to the LORD... When He is with you, He will help you with your fear...He will get you through that fear...He is the Great Comforter...
Pray like David that goodness and love shall follow you throughout your life, when your thoughts are focused on the LORD...Have confidence in God's grace and care...David did...