Psalm 23 (NLT)
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
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.
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.
Pastor's Notes:
As I read this Psalm I am immediately struck by the image of a shepherd who has taken his flock to a banks of a still pond for them to gain rest and refreshment. The sheep have nothing to fear while they are near to their shepherd. They know he will protect them. They confidently move to the water to quench their thirst and lay down for a rest with full confidence that nothing will harm them. I feel like God wants us to put ourselves in this image. That Jesus is our good shepherd and we are the sheep. He has led us to this place of rest and refreshment. He wants us to approach his living water with boldness and confidence, knowing that he will not allow any harm to befall us. It is hear that he provides for our every need and directs the way we should go. We, as sheep, must submit our way to the good shepherd. It is here that he provides peace.
When I read verse 4, I think of what Jesus said in John 16:33, "I have told you all of this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (NLT) Jesus never promised that the journey would be smooth or easy. We will go through tough times, but the Lord promises that if we continue to follow where he leads, those tough times will not crush us. We don't have to fear these tough times or what may come as long as we stay close to the shepherd. He will protect us and comfort us during these times.
I find it interesting that verses 5-6 comes immediately after the verse where it talks about going through tough times. This is the promise for all those who go through hard times. If you are in Christ, this scripture promises that if you stay close to the shepherd and walk through the valley, there is blessings and goodness on the other side. Then there is the promise that God's love will envelope our very lives and we will forever be with him. What a great promise! God's love is from ever lasting to ever lasting!
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