Psalm 23 is a very personal psalm penned by David, who spent many years as a shepherd. It is a reminder of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who rejoices in the 99 safe sheep, but goes after the one who has wandered off. Sheep are prone to wander and so are we. Some are in green pastures. Some are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Some are in a season of great favor and fruitfulness. Some have dangerously journeyed off the path. Wherever you are, know that Jesus is with you. He knows the right way to take. Trust His lead. Take the time to read this familiar but personal passage with fresh eyes.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Do I allow Him to shepherd me? To lead me? To tend to my needs? When I try to do it all on my own, I myself in want. When my eyes focus on where the Lord has others, rather than trusting where He has me, I am left wanting. I must trust Him to provide for me.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.
Do I foolishly try to run on empty, or do I submit to the Lord as He makes me lie down? As I surrender to His rest, I am ready to be led and restored. His order is best. Rest. Refresh. Restore. I must trust His order and timing.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Do I trust the Lord’s path to be the best one? The path He guides me on has His name all over it. His name is above every name – there is no greater name on earth or in heaven! I must not settle for anything less, no matter what it looks like. His path alone is the right one. Because of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, a righteous path has been made for me. I must trust His guidance.
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 Lord is with me in the most difficult seasons. This valley is a walk THROUGH, not a place of residence. I may be exhausted and ready to lie down, but I must keep following His lead – even in the dark places. Here is where it is hard to see and hard to hear. Here He is fighting for me. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is making sure I stay on the path, even though it’s not a pleasant one – because He knows where it leads. I must trust that He is with me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Yes, there are enemies all around. I must remember that I am not to wrestle against flesh and blood but against evil forces. As I put on His armor, I am prepared and ready to fight the enemy of my soul. Even in the battle, He has prepared good things for me. He will fuel me. I must trust that He sustains me in the spiritual fight.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
As I lean into Jesus, He anoints me with His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings comfort and peace and favor. His grace is lavishly poured out on me, to the point of overflow. In His presence, there is fullness of joy. I must trust that He is generous.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
As I allow the Lord to shepherd me, I am surrounded with goodness and love. He is good. He is love. I have a permanent place in His house. I am His daughter forever. I must trust that my future with Him is full of goodness.
Let’s count our blessings as beloved sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd.
