Psalms 23 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Lord is my Shepherd – The psalmist David said this with confidence and love – The Lord is my shepherd. He understood how a shepherd cared for his sheep as he was one in his youth. He found comfort and security in knowing God cared for him like a shepherd cared for his sheep.
David also felt he needed a shepherd. The heart of this psalm doesn’t connect with the self-sufficient. But those who see their need, who are “poor in spirit” – Matthew 5:3 (from enduringword.com) Is the Lord your Shepherd?
I lack nothing – Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) If our Good Shepherd is willing to give you His life, what else does He not give you? As children of God, we have no lack. However, there’s a necessity to differentiate between need and want. I may need a car, but not a jaguar!
“I lack nothing” could also speak of contentment. It could mean “I decide to not desire more than what the LORD, my shepherd gives.” (enduringword.com)
He makes me lie down in green pastures – Notice that He “makes” me lie down. I am thankful that the Lord “makes” me quiet down when I’ve been running around frantically. During this period of covid-19, do you feel that God is “making” you lie down? Suddenly, He stopped all activities in your lives … Do you allow Him to make you lie down?
He leads me … refreshes my soul – He leads us to the quiet waters to restore our souls. His aim is to refresh us. He knows our needs more than ourselves. What does quiet waters mean to you?
A sheep is easily startled and going to the quiet waters will keep it calm. Jesus will lead us to the living water (John 4:10). If you drink from Him, out of your heart will flow rivers of living water! (John 4:14 & John7:38) Do you thirst for this living water?
He guides me … His name’s sake – A good shepherd will guide his sheep along the right paths, not the dangerous ones. Right paths are ways to righteous, upright living. It’s according to His ways, His commandments. The way of the righteous will always attract blessings. (Psalm 5:12 – Surely,
LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.) And it’s all for the glory of His name.
Even though I walk through … fear no evil – A valley suggests a tight situation, a tough experience. No matter how tight or tough, the Shepherd does not abandon us. That gives us confidence to walk through it without fear. (Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.)
Also, because we walk in the path of righteousness, we are not afraid of evil. Evil (darkness) cannot overcome righteousness (light). Evil cannot touch us. (1 John 5:18 – We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.)
For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff … comfort me – The presence of the Lord makes all the difference. A rod speaks of discipline and a staff speaks of guidance. The shepherd used both to take care of his sheep.
It’s interesting to note that in traditional Israelite culture, the staff that shepherds carried was in fact a document of answered prayers. Every time God intervened or responded to their pleas; the shepherds would make a mark on their staff. This then became a rich tapestry celebrating testimony after testimony of God’s goodness. (adapted from eternalwall.org.uk/psalm-23)
You prepare a table … my enemies – God’s presence is so powerful that the enemy cannot stop Him from preparing a bountiful feast for us! The word “prepare” speaks of God planning ahead for us, taking thought and care to do so. Eating a great feast in front of the enemies is definitely triumphant vindication for God’s children! This verse also demonstrates that when we are in God’s presence, the enemies have no power over us. In Christ, he’s under your feet!
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows – To be anointed with oil is to be set apart as holy or to be refreshed. It’s a privilege for those who are His sheep. An overflowing cup signifies God’s extravagance with His supplies. (Ephesians 3:20 – Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us – NKJ)
Surely Your goodness … days of my life – Can you imagine God’s goodness and love (or mercy) following you every day? Ever thought of your Father giving you body-guards? “These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. Just as when great princes go abroad, they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer.” (Spurgeon) Awesome!
And I will dwell … forever – In the Old Testament, to eat at the king’s table is of high honour. King David invited Mephibosheth to eat at his table all the days of his life because of his covenantal relationship with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan (2 Samuel 9). All God’s children have a greater covenant with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are invited to eat at the KING’s table, and enjoy His presence forever, both on earth and beyond. Are you enjoying it now?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Good Shepherd! I want to be your contented sheep, ever enjoying your presence