Psalm 23

 

1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

4 Yea, 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.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

     Psalm 23 (NKJV)

This is probably the most well-known psalm and may be the best-loved. It’s so short that many know it by heart.  Yet despite its brevity, the six verses are a powerful testimony to God’s goodness and grace.

 This psalm speaks of many years of personal experience walking with the Lord. That’s why David could say the Lord is “my shepherd.” But if you don't know Christ as your Savior and if you haven’t submitted to Him as Lord, then this psalm isn’t really for you.  Because that’s what it means to call Jesus your shepherd.

 

David knew what it was to need God’s righteousness, as we all do, and because His forgiveness is so generously extended, our souls are restored.

 

Some consider this a "death bed" psalm since it assures the believer of God’s presence “through the valley of the shadow of death.” (v. 4) That truly is a blessing. But it’s also an "every day" psalm because we all walk in that shadow and find ourselves in many dark valleys of suffering, sickness, fear, trouble, in this life.  Yet we have God’s rod and staff to show us the way and to correct us when needed.  That provides comfort and courage for our daily walk with Him.

 

When we trust in Christ as Savior and Lord, our cup runs over with His goodness and mercy; we are blessed with the sure hope of dwelling in His house forever.

                                                 Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Savior like a shepherd lead us, much we need your tender care.

In your pleasant pastures feed us, for our use your fold prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.

(Dorothy Thrupp, 1779-1847)