10:01 P.M.

Psalms 23. 1-4

The Good Shepherd

This is probably the most popular chapter in the entire Bible. And if not the most popular, it’s more than likely the most widely known. But there is allot to be said about this little section of the bible, and I am learning why it’s so powerful.

Well will start at the beginning. Psalms 23:1: The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

Alright we know that David, who wrote this, was a shepherd, but he also understood the role that plays, not only as ruler over all, but caretaker of his dominion. He is like a shepherd, who takes care, provides and protects his loyal sheep. So under the LORD, there is no reason to want, because everything we could possibly need is available. We won’t be wanting.

Psalms 23:2: He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

He leads you in safe places to rest. He is the wise provider and in HIM we can find the peace of green grass and quiet streams.

Psalms 23:3: He renews my life; He leads me along the right path for His name sake.

This is a powerful verse hidden in plain sight. He is renewing and He gives us life. The part I like is the second part of this verse. It says that when you follow God, it’s the right path. No matter how hard, oppressive, stressful or difficult the situation, it’s all for God’s glory. By being faithful, it’s a testament to his glory and it will reflect him through us. His right path brings good for His name’s sake.

Psalms 23:4: 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.

This verse ties into the last verse quite nicely. This last verse, it tells us about how God leads us on the righteous path and during that time on this path, we will be hit with oppressions and temptations, but even through that, we know our good shepherd is there. With Him there is no need to fear any danger. He is with us, leading us on. Now I need to bring something to attention. David brings up two instruments used by shepherds. The rod and the staff. They both have similar uses. The staff has a hook which is used to bring the sheep into the right direction and the rod is for rebuke. David here is saying that even God’s rebuke for leaving him and the changes in direction comfort him. God is so great that he cares for us to redirect us, he’s so great to bring us back after drifting away from him, and even in what we think is right.