The Good Shepherd

An introspective look at Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.”

The Lord is my Good Shepherd. He provides everything I need for each day. I am lacking in nothing. If I don’t have it, it’s because I don’t need it in my life right now.

^“2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.”

The Lord gives me a break from the busyness and allows me to rest in lush comfort with Him. He nourishes me with His Living Water. Notice it’s quiet waters. They aren’t raging, powerful, or noisy. He pulls me away from the loudness of life and lets me abide in His quiet love while nourishing my spirit.

^“3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

He refreshes my spirit and brings it purpose. He restores what is broken. He shows me the right way to go in which brings the greatest glory to Him.

^“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.”

The Lord is always with me. He is my light and my joy.

Jesus looked to, “the joy that lay before him; he endured the cross, despising the shame…” Hebrews 12:2b Being my example, I too can fix my eyes on the Joy before me as He guides me through my own sufferings.

If I start to wander, the Lord will stretch out His staff and guide me back. I can take comfort in His constant presence and guidance in my life. I don’t have to be afraid or try to figure it all out myself. I can look to the Shepherd and trust He’ll show me the way.

^“5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

I can feast with my Shepherd unhindered by the enemy’s presence, because He is my Protector. Nothing can devour or destroy me.

The enemy looks on as my Shepherd anoints my head with oil. The Shepherd restores any wounds I have and exalts me above my enemy.

My cup overflows. Not only are all of my needs met now – they are abundantly overflowing.

Trust was built with my Shepherd while in the darkness of the valley. Now, as my enemy looks on, I fear no evil because I know my Shepherd will stick with me and defend me.

^“6 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.”

The enemy will get tired in his pursuit of me, but the LORD, my Shepherd, never will! I can fix my eyes on Him, embracing His goodness and love above all else because He will always pursue me! He’ll never grow tired of it. He’ll let me reside with Him forever!