The image of God as our Shepherd depicts God’s continual direction, guidance, and care for us. Psalm 23 is a wonderful illustration of the Shepherd’s heart of God.
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.” When we choose to submit to God all our needs are met by Jehovah Raah, the Shepherd. This verse is also the psalmist’s declaration not to desire more than what God gives us.
Psalm 23:2 “ He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.” Still waters and green pastures were the ideal environment for the sheep. They depict a picture of care and rest. The shepherd had to create an atmosphere for the sheep which would allow them to be still and lie down. This was accomplished only by ensuring the sheep were fed, protected, and cared for. Like the sheep we do not always know what is best for us and need the influence of the Shepherd. As we trust the God completely we can rest in Who He is.
Psalm 23:3 “ He refreshes and restores my life (my soul);” God restores our soul by bringing it to a state of repentance. Romans 2:4 tells us it’s God’s kindness that brings us to repentance. Repentance (change in thinking), brings us to a place of intimacy with God.
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.”
God leads us to righteousness (right standing with Him). He removes obstructions that hinder our relationship with Him. When God’s children prosper it brings glory to His name.
Psalm 23:4 “ though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me. Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”
God’s Presence is with us in every situation. We are continuously faced with choices that may bring harm to us, but more importantly, wrong choices can bring spiritual death or separation from God. Jehovah Raah is constantly guiding us in the right direction and protecting us.
Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”
Even though we may be surrounded by adversity God has the power to spiritually feed and protect us through any circumstance we may be confronted with.
“You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;My cup overflows.”
In biblical times applying oil to a guest’s head was done to show love and respect. Filling their cup to overflowing represented the abundance of everything they had for the guest. This verse is a reflection of God’s love for us and His desire to bless us abundantly.
Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”
The writer of the psalm is filled with the revelation of God’s love. He is assured that God is truly his Shepherd and his desire is to be with God always.
Father, I pray that our eyes are opened to Who you are. I pray our heart’s desire is to become intimately acquainted with You.
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