The Lord is My Shepherd…
By: Kelley Hinson
Psalm 23
There is a passage that I have made it a priority to learn, word for word, and verse by verse. It is wrote in the front of my Bible journal, marked and highlighted in my Bible, and tattooed on my heart. I say it every night before bed after my prayer, and sometimes after a particularly trying day, with no words to be had, I say it AS my prayer. It’s one of those passages that the enemy despises because it is protection, comfort and rest for the child of God, that he can’t penetrate. It’s like the song says, “Anxiety, hates Psalm 23”. Have you ever wondered why it is so powerful? What the words signify. Let’s look at it.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
God is the shepherd. We have heard this over and over but what does a shepherd do? The shepherd’s main job is to protect his flock from the world around it. The receive all that they need from the shepherd. They are willingly and completely reliant on the shepherd for protection, provision, and they look to him for guidance, because they know they will receive it.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.”
After the long journey, from wherever they have been led, it’s the shepherds job to provide the flock with rest, nourishment, and protection from the wilds around it. They look for the greenest pastures for the flock to graze and a source of pure water. This allows the flock to have what they need to then lie down in peace and rest after the long day of travel over the rough terrain they have traveled through. The shepherd watches over them as they lie there in this contentment. They find comfort in the green pastures and the calm waters, and yep that leads us into the next verse.
“He restores my soul; he leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
This restores the flock by allowing them to receive the needed nourishment and rest. The shepherd lightens their burden and allows for the comfort that his presence provides. It gets them ready to continue on their journey. This guidance is for his namesake. His actions are driven by his character and his glory. His, provision, guidance, restoration, renewal, faithfulness, loving kindness…
“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.”
The journey takes them through areas that the shepherd knows threatens the flock. The wolves are waiting just beyond the woodline, watching, waiting, and preparing to attack. We are faced with hidden dangers, challenges and hardships, temptations (evil), and heartache, that threaten to take away our heart for God, which can result in spiritual death for the believer. We face circumstances that can sometimes be life altering, and difficult. His presence and guidance brings comfort and protection from whatever comes against us. The rod and staff is what the shepherd carries. It is the tool he uses to keep the wolves away and keep that wandering sheep from straying to far away from His protection, His guidance, and His watchful eye, and the rest of the flock.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse speaks about his provision. The table and the cup signify the abundance of what we have sitting at His table, and how he sustains us through it all. Giving us new strength. Oil was used in the Old Testament quite a bit. It was used to anoint prophets, priests, and kings. These people were given an assignment by God and he remained with them as they fulfilled their purpose, annointed by His power and mercy.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
I read an article that said. “imagine the shepherd walking in front of his sheep. The sheep follow him, and behind them are two sheep dogs named Goodness and Mercy, chasing the stragglers and keeping them close to the shepherd.” I thought that was a fitting description:), but also goodness and mercy are given freely. We have it in abundance. The Shepherd dutifully watches, protects, and gives His flock what they need to survive and thrive.
Psalm 23 reminds us that whatever comes against us, God has got us. “I am” the Good Shepherd…Jesus has told us that life will bring circumstances that are well above our control, but with Him we have that much needed guidance, protection and provision, and rest for our weary souls.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
