Psalm 23 (CSB)
A psalm of David
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff – they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23 was my Nana’s (my mother’s mother) favourite psalm and it is also my favourite psalm. The author of this psalm is David, who started out in life as a shepherd but who later became King David. What did David mean when he wrote these words?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
David is acknowledging that God is his shepherd, meaning his protector and provider.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
God provides David with refreshing rest.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
God provides stillness and tranquillity.
He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
God renews life, meaning He restores souls; our mind, will and emotions. We must align our thoughts with God’s thoughts and we will be directed along the narrow path; the path of righteousness.
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.
There are times of trouble and anxiety in our lives but God will get us through these times. We have no need to be fearful of evil and danger because we know that God is with us at all times. God protects and guides us with His rod and staff, as a shepherd protects and guides his sheep. We need never feel afraid, not even when faced with death, because God is always with us.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
We have no fear of our enemies because God will bless us in front of them.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
When we have God as our shepherd and we follow His lead, we can be certain that He will show us His goodness and mercy throughout our lives. God’s love will be with us here on earth and then finally we will dwell in the house of our Lord forever, for all eternity.
Psalm 23 tells you how much God loves and cares for you, and He will be your shepherd if you let Him lead you.
Onward Christian Soldiers 