1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
A shepherd's job is to protect the sheep. To stop them from veering off course and also to guard them from predators. They do so with their rod and staff. If the Lord is our shepherd, we must believe that he WILL protect us.
In Christ we literally lack nothing. He came to Earth to die for us so that we never again had to be in need. There are obvious areas where this can be questioned because of human needs, but ultimately, whether we admit it or not, God is the one who provides IT ALL. He opens doors, He stimulates finances, He provides the house, job, paycheck. If we are in a place of trusting God, this mean we take out the human perspective and replace it with the Godly one. For example - "I can't work right and won't be able to pay my bills." God provided for us in the first place, so why do we doubt? Yes, this is a horribly trying time for so many but God will sustain in every way we need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
The Lord knows exactly what we need, when we need it! He is a good Father. I've been in the middle of stressful days at work and God has brought the perfect blessing, that only He would know I needed, at just the right time. Let's stop and look for these and give God the glory for them! I used to have a "Blessing Jar" and I'm thinking about bringing that back. We also may not love being quarantined, but isn't it good to let the Lord renew us with the lack of the busyness, more rest, more time with Him?
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Our strength is not from us, it is from Him. We need a renewing of it daily. Thank you Father for giving us strength! [Exodus 15:2]
Like in Romans 8:28 [see last post] our lives are to bring glory to Him and fulfill His will and purpose. We can trust that God will guide us rightly, just like He did for David! Look at David'd life - being anointed and appointed as king, running from Saul, slaying Goliath. God guided and protected David his entire life and as we trust Him, He will do the same for us!
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Just like in verse 1, the shepherd has a rod and staff to keep the sheep close and to protect them from danger. God is doing this for us even when we don't see it! The Holy Spirit is fighting spiritual battles we aren't even aware of. In the moments we can see the danger, the pandemic, the death - it sounds overly simple - but we actually do not have to fear. Fear [see past post] is NOT from God, so to agree with fear, we are agreeing with something that is from the enemy. Which let's in even more from the enemy. Let's instead (me included) remember that God has conquered death itself and is taking care of us as the Good Shepherd.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
God feeds us spirit and soul. He even does so by inviting us to His table in front of our enemies. This is why we do not have to worry about those who scoff at us, mock God, etc. God has the final word, He's holding the dinner party (Heaven!) and we are invited.
Guests in Near Eastern culture were anointed as they were welcomed in to someone's home. Jesus does the same for us as we enter! Also, shepherds would often pour oil over their sheep's heads in order to protect them from getting pests and infections. Christ's anointing of the Holy Spirit does the same for us. It may not mean that we do not ever get ill, but it does mean that His covering is over us.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
God's goodness and love PURSUE us! He never stops. He's always looking to connect with and bless His children. The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 to look for the 1 [Matthew 18:12]. As Christians, we can be confident that we will dwell with the Lord forever!
I pray that as you rest in His love tonight that He gives you such reassurance of His care for you!
Lessons from Psalm 23
1. We have all we need in Christ.
2. He strengthens and restores us.
3. We are safe because we are protected by the Good Shepherd.
4. We have a permanent seat at the Father's Table.
Comments