There will always be valley experience which can and will be restored. Intimacy with God births confidence in us as his children. Used with permission. David expresses confidence and trust in the Lord by portraying God as a good "Shepherd" who both guides and blesses them. Even those who do not attend church have likely heard this psalm before. During the valleys of life, you must remember the last two lines of this verse, that God is with you and will comfort you as you walk. In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus says: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? Is your relationship with God intimate enough for you to boldly call him your Shepherd? We can trust our lives to the Lords safekeeping. The other part of the picture in these four verses gives the different methods that God uses in leading His flock; or, we might say, the various regions through which He leads them are described in order. (2 Corinthians 12:9), All compliments and praise can be reflected back to him: "Yes, by the power of God, including His grace, I can do all that I must. For the more we know him, the more we become confident of his love, grace, and blessings. As I did, the familiarity faded, and I felt as though I was reading it with new eyes. "Have faith in GOD!" When we dont, its the same as choosing to be led by our selfish desires. Thou preparest a table before me Thou furnishest me with plenty and variety of provisions and comforts. I am going to make it my priority to share, at the least, the Lord's prayer with this purpose, starting within my very own family. It shows us how God is a sustainer, a guide, a leader, a provider, the ever-present one, and an amazing host who has prepared a table of abundance before us to feast on. Ufuoma Fijabi writes on her blog where she shares God-inspired articles that focus on motherhood, faith, hope, and spirituality. foryou are with me, yourrod, and your staff, The Lord is My Shepherd Blessings, Provision, and Abundance, David ends this rich Psalm with a picture of Gods grace, presence, and favor following him all the days of his life. Thank God- He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake (vv. We can never stray so far that God's long arm of grace can't reach us. Do you not see it? Let this Psalm give you comfort when you are in a time of distress, pain, grief, discouragement, disappointment. Psalm 23 Explained A song of abundance. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Today, you too can boldly declare that the Lord is my Shepherd. He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! [That boast is like: "I am weak but He strengthens me!"] I will make a pathway through the wilderness. With God as our shepherd, there is nothing we will ever lack. Verses 4 and 5 confirm this as well. Beautiful Testimony. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are . Why Did Pharaoh Tell Joseph to Enjoy the 'Fat of the Land'? ", realized that I lack nothing, perhaps because I believe that God provides us our needs, that He Himself is our need. Theres no way around this: God actually honors and blesses us right in front of our enemies! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. meaning it was his reality and he rested in this truth Gods goodness and mercy were following him through his lifes journey on earth. 3He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. Her faith in him took away fear. Four Reasons Why S.M.A.R.T. Approved. He leads me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! For something 3,000 years old, it is extremely relevant for our lives today. These verses offer comfort for the reader as they enter the valley of the shadow of death and onward in Jesus' loving arms. Psalm 23 begins with a powerful statement of declaration by David about who God is to him. Psalm 23 - The LORD Is My Shepherd and My Host Like many others, this beloved psalm bears the simple title A Psalm of David . Sometimes we stray from the Lord, too. I have read this a few times before but this has touched me alot. Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. The shepherds rod and staff were used to guide and protect the sheep and lead them away from potential predators. God is always in control of what is happening, but we also have free will. Almost everyone knows Psalm 23. . Try it! Lets keep thinking about valleys for a moment. Verse 6. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. It is a psalm that heals, delivers, comforts, and set free. They gather around the Lord's table here in this world and in the one to come. Sometimes, you may even be led by culture, traditions, and the worlds way of doing things. Green pastures represent sustenance and plenty. Green pastures also relate to the Word of God. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Learn more Is the 23rd Psalm[1] The Psalmist puts rest and refreshment first because this is the way God deals with us so often. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. "I will fear no evil" -- That's knowing you are protected even at your lowest hour! David calls God a shepherd and declares that because God is his shepherd, hence he shall not lack any good thing. If your world seems chaotic or unfulfilling, ask yourself, Am I allowing God to lead me?. He leadeth me beside the still waters = Thats Refreshment! The prophet Samuel anointed him king, but it would be another decade or more before David was recognized by Israel. Here these tools represent Gods protection, care, and guidance, and not symbols of discipline as elsewhere in the Bible. That means we can choose to let God lead our lives. How to Feel the Holy Ghosts Presence, According to the Bible, This article uses the New King James Version, but there are, Partially based on an email with two words for each line like: " 'The Lord is my Shepherd' --, this great relationship with Him. Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 the First Week of Lent. What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? Thank God for the Good Shepherd who became the perfect, sacrificial Lamb of God, removing our sin, guilt, and shame and making us right with our Heavenly Father! See, I have already begun! "For Thou art with me" -- That's the constant faithfulness of The Shepherd! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! And they are three: rest, work, and sorrow. I have been blessed this morning. Thou anointest my head with oil Or ointment, as the Syriac and Arabic interpreters render it, namely, with aromatic ointments, which were then used in great feasts. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. God bless you :). We learn it in Sunday school, see it in funeral programs, and notice it on church dcor. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep in paths of righteousness to the very gates of the beautiful city itself, and on through the gates into the eternal fold, for it is written in Revelation 22:14, Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.. We are not saved by our works, but we work because we are saved. A shepherd cares deeply not only for all his sheep as a whole but also for each and every single one. Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and well-loved psalms in the Bible. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lets Keep in Touch I shall not want because I know God personally as my Shepherd. It is no wonder that this Psalm has been a great source of comfort and hope to many in trying times, difficult seasons of life, and even in the face of death. May He continue to guide and guard you in Jesus Name. It is in Gods presence that we grow, change, and are transformed forever. Yea, though I walk through the valley of t he shadow of death = Thats Testing! When we see it in our Bibles, it can be tempting to think,Oh, I know what this says already. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most widely known scriptures in the Bible. And knowing him can only come when you spend time with him in prayer, worship, and through his word. (2021, September 7). God bless you. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? This beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before us, in its chief figure, that of a shepherd, the gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God's people, who, as a shepherd, both rules and feeds them. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord tor ever. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4). "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" -- That's the blessing and power of grace, through faith remembering "God is Love," not just words! He provides for us here in this world. In Deuteronomy 8 Moses told the Israelites that God "let them be hungry" to test them and to teach them (vv. Do we then make void the law through faith? asks the Apostle to the Gentiles; and then he answers his own question: God forbid: yea, we establish the law (Romans 3:31). As the apostle Paul puts it, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Restoration speaks of refreshing and renewal. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29). Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It is wilderness foodthe manna of His promise, and water out of the Rock. Psalm 23, beautifully explained. Some people find reading commentaries on passages of scripture helpful. In 2 Timothy 3:1617, Paul writes, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.. She loves learning from peoples stories/experiences and getting lost in the words of a good book. And now the Shepherd leads on, not only beside the still waters of rest and the righteous paths of service, but through trouble and sorrow. Psalm 23 is not just talking about David and his relationship with God, it speaks deeply about our personal relationship with God. Back in the Bible times it was a great honor to get your head anointed with oil and so it's saying that even though we sin and can be really awful people, God still loves us and is ready to treat us like royalty. If you are going through a season of sin, discouragement, or despair in your life right now, ask yourself, Am I walking or camping?. Psalm 23 shows us how much God cares about us even when we go through challenges. "Do not say it is yet four months and then comes the Harvest, for it [the harvest of souls] is now ripe" (John 4:35). https://www.learnreligions.com/psalm-23-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-700375 (accessed March 1, 2023). 5. It brings us comfort in our darkest hours because it creates beautiful imagery of . For Thou art with me = Thats Faithfulness! The meaning of Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude to a loving God in a painful world. God can be a guide, comforter, helper, and friend to you today. In one sense, this was not unusual. 3. The clear implication of David's statement in Psalm 23:1 is that as one of God's sheep he will lack nothing which is necessary for his best interest. King David boldly declares who God is to him as he speaks of his relationship with God borne out of personal knowledge and his experiences with God using a shepherd and his sheep. Gods goodness and mercy are never-ending. Matthew 9:36 ESV - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So true..what a beautiful promise that Jesus gave us..He is our Shepherd, we dont have to fear anything for He is with us.Even though we go through the valley of death. Learn more about the meaning and significance of this well-known phrase from Psalms 23. Yea, though I walk: through the valley of the shadow of death, 6. What Is the Meaning of Psalm 91 and Why Is it Popular? He shows off by abundantly blessing us before the very ones who want to see us fall! In spiritual communion with Him, the hungry heart finds food that satisfies. This is a beautiful picture to share with him. Verses 1 and 2 explain how God is like a shepherd who provides and cares for His sheep. God wants an intimate relationship with his children. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. David did not call God a deliverer or a king, he was specific with the word Shepherd. "My cup runneth over" -- That's His abundance flowing to you and out to others! Without a shepherd to protect and guide them, sheep are easy targets for predators. 3. When David was still a teenager, God chose him to be king. The Lord is my Shepherd = Thats Relationship! At every turn, it reveals the close relationship David shares with his God. These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. The meaning of Psalm 23 is personal because we each have a personal relationship with God.. Start a meditation on Psalm 23 today and make it part of your worship to God during your quiet time. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Thank you, a plain and simple translation of our Faithful and Loving Shepherd. "For His namesake" -- That gives a higher purpose for life! Article Images Copyright . Fairchild, Mary. In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us. The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship! Heleads me inpaths of righteousness for hisnames sake. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = . The sheep rests in the assurance that his shepherd is always watching and looking out for it. My cup overflows with blessings.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. But here's what we need to understand: we can't see God as Shepherd if we don't see ourselves as sheep. So, friend, do not worry about the future. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. He restores and heals our minds and emotions, renewing and strengthening our very lives! As I dwelt on how God has been so good to us, my mind went to Psalm 23 and thats how I landed on your page. You don't know who has you. No, was the prompt reply, I don't know, but you do. She didn't have to know, if father knew that it was all right. Ask yourself, Have I lost sight of Gods faithfulness? If you feel like you have, even if you are not going through a hard time, stop and make an actual list of all the ways that God has been faithful to you. The closing verse shows that the blessings mentioned are spiritual. So the sheep in this beautiful Psalm, the flock of the Lord, are those who follow Him. David portrays God as a loving shepherd, a role the psalmist would have been deeply familiar with, as much of his boyhood was spent caring for his fathers sheep. He restored my soul = That's Healing! "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord" -- That's home and security in the Lord's provision/Heaven! Whereas a king might do what's best for the majority, a shepherd knows and stewards each one of his sheep. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most widely known scriptures in the Bible. And that is why, he will lead you beside still waters to give peace and comfort amid lifes chaos. Some of the keywords used in this Psalm include. "Truly, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" -- That's about. The Lord is my Shepherd: Psalm 23 Explained, Jesus was the Shepherd who became a sheep, The 7 "I Am" Statements of Jesus Explained, 10 Bible Verses that Have Changed My Life. Praise You Jesus Amen. Before David became king of Israel, he was a shepherd. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.". He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Whenever a sheep strays, the shepherd finds and restores him back to the flock. The Lord promises to lead us in paths of righteousness, in keeping with everything his name represents: holiness, love, faithfulness, wisdom, and more. His blessings span the years. Verse 5. Psalm 23 (New Living Translation) A Psalm of David. I shall not want = That's Supply! i. Psalm 23 begins with the sentence above. Sometimes we get bogged down in our circumstances and just decide thats the way it will always be. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Research source For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.. Last Updated: August 29, 2022 We are not justified by works, but for works. We often hear it recited at church or during times of mourning, yet it's more than just a beautiful, poetic stanza. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Before David became king of Israel, he was a shepherd. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. indeed! We can rest assured in the hands of the Ruler of the Universe. There is a sort of double progress in these verses which rises from memories of His care in the past: the experiences of God's present care for us, and our hope for the futurein other words, what was, what is, and what will be. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. It is memorized and repeated in all lands. Thou preparesta table before me in the presence of mine enemies = Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. Praying will help you as well. 56). For Thou art with me = Thats Faithfulness! This proclaims the metaphor of the psalm, that god is like our shepherd. (see John 10:11). David calls God a shepherd and declares that because God is his shepherd, hence he shall not lack any good thing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He makes me lie down in greenpastures. Her passion is to inspire, encourage, support, and build up faith in the heart of moms in their motherhood journey. So, even when we walk through the valleys of life and death is staring us in the face, we are not afraid knowing that God is with us and will shield and protect us from danger and evil. I thank God for your inspiration. Entirely and always reliant on our Shepherd, whether we realize it or not. We eat it as the Israelites did in haste, staff in hand, and ready to march on. He makes me lie down in green pastures . Rest, strange to say, in the past; work in the present; and sorrow, the valley of the shadow, still to come. We figuratively pitch our tent in the valley. Sometimes we think we know better than the Shepherd; were sure that we can take care of ourselves, but we really cant. So how does change sound. By using our site, you agree to our. Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing to move your Feet, Even though you cant see Him, GOD is there for you, When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you! If you are one of the 7% who will stand up for him, forward this with the title 7%. The picture of the divine Shepherd leading His flock fills the first four verses of Psalm 23. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." It is about making a choice to cultivate intimacy with God. Most account it to be a psalm of David's maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd.
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