As we walk through Psalms and Proverbs with The Word, in our mid-week Good News Messages, we come to the 23rd Psalm. This is probably the best known psalm of the 150 included in today’s popular Bibles. Many Christians can recite it word for word. Written by Israel’s King David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this is a prayer, and a praise, and a personal testimony. I personally love the King James language for the translation of it, but I am using the NIV. It says:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23.
In the first three verses, David writes of who the Lord is to him, and what He does for him as his Shepherd. David was a Shepherd Boy, and knew how the sheep that he took care of looked to him. David loved them, and put his life on the line for them. He fought a lion and a bear that tried to take them away and devour them as recorded in 1 Samuel 17. He personally knew how important it is for the sheep to have a good shepherd for they are unable to take care of themselves. A Good Shepherd that leads, and guides, and provides, and protects from harm. In John 10:14, Jesus states: “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me.”
David then begins to talk to the Lord as one would talk to a friend, or a loved one telling them how much he appreciates all that person does for him. He gives praise and thanks. He ends with an affirmation of faith and assurance of where he will spend eternity.
He knows without a doubt that The Lord provides for him – body, soul, and spirit. Now and forever.
Our Heavenly Father, our Creator – He who made us – knows that we need a Shepherd. He sent His Only Begotten Son to handle that task because of His great love for us. He does not want us to wander around lost. He does not want us to be in need when everything is provided if we know where to go, and who to follow.
I recommend starting the day in the Word. As we open our eyes, and give opportunity for our mind to receive good or bad words that will flow to us, this psalm is a perfect way to begin the day in The Way. Let us take charge of what is coming in to our minds. Let us begin our day with this truth: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Let us speak it, believe it, receive the truth of it, and give thanks for it as we walk in His perfection.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you, God’s Beloveds. May you be in perfect health, and prosper in all things.
I love you.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line