Psalm 23:1-6 “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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 23rd Psalm is probably the most read and quoted Psalm in the collection of Psalms. Poetic in nature and the expression of the writer’s heart during times of trials, temptations, conflicts, and victories, the Psalms have provided much encouragement in our times of life’s struggles and has inspired great worship in times of God’s divine providence.
Although the 23rd Psalm is only 6 verses long it contains a number of attributes of our great God and the blessings of a life living for Him!
The Lord is my Shepherd – that's a Relationship!
I shall not want – that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters – that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul – that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – that's Guidance!
For His name sake – that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – that's
Testing!
I will fear no evil – that's Protection!
For Thou art with me – that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me – that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
Enemies – that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil – that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over – that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
Life – that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord – that's Security!
Forever – that's Eternity!
Wow! What an impact this Psalm is when we look just a little closer as to its meaning and importance in our lives. We can find strength today in this Psalm and other wonderful scriptures that God has so masterfully given to us! Our hope is in the Lord and his great and exceeding precious promises.
Truly the LORD is my Shepherd and I am so thankful that I can have a beautiful relationship with Him!
God’s blessing to all today,
Pastor Ken Winkler