I learned to quote it at an early age. It has been quoted in times of tragedy, sorrow, and death. Most people my age can quote it. Has this popular chapter in the Bible been forgotten by our young people? What was in the mind of its author? What experiences did he have that inspired him to write this? What did he want each generation to glean from this? Can we apply this to our lives today? When was the last time you read it? What emotion compelled you to search for comfort in reading it? After reading it, did you understand what he is trying to tell you? Let me tell you what it has done for me.
The 23rd Psalm has been one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It could be because the author has been one of my favorite Biblical characters since I was a small child. In writing my first book, The Heart Behind the Stone: Develop a Giant Slaying Heart, I renewed my acquaintance with the early life of David, the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite. I learned how David became the man after God's own heart. In the wilderness while shepherding his father's sheep, he developed the love, trust, and faith in his creator, God, at a young age. David was preparing himself to face any trial, large or small, to encourage God's people, and to glorify the God he loved.
Out of David's life came the 23rd Psalm. Was this a Psalm for his children and grandchildren? Did David want them to have words to comfort them when they experienced living life through, seemingly, impossible circumstances? Was he wanting them to examine who they were following, and the path he was leading them? Did David want them to have a faith in God as he did? Would these verses motivate them to follow, love, and trust the Lord's path leading to righteousness? I do not know David's purpose for writing this. I have read many comments on David's age when he wrote this and many opinions on its meaning. Below is my take on it, and what I want to convey to you, my children, and my grandchildren.
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I think David is relating to the reader that he had a choice in whom he would follow. At this point in his life he had been influenced by many, but the Lord was the one who showed him the the most love and promise. David knew the Lord fearfully and wonderfully created him. (Psalm 139) Who better to be shepherded by than the one who created you. I shall not want (lack). With the Lord as my shepherd, I will not lack anything that makes for a righteous life. The most important statement I see in this verse is, in order to have a shepherd, you must be willing to submit your whole heart, mind, soul and body to the shepherd.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; Trials in my life have pushed me in another direction. This direction has led me to feast upon God's instructing word for comfort just as green grass is to fulfill the appetites of hungry sheep for new grass. He leads me besides the still waters; Sometimes I need to be in a peaceful place. A place I can get my emotional breath, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Unlike the raging white waters of swollen mountain streams, the beauty of still waters at dusk or dawn can give me this needed tranquility.
He restores my soul; The Lord is the only one who can return the soul as it was in the beginning, before the fall of man. All, including myself, have sinned. By sinning we have a soul that is broken down and is separated from God. The Lord, who like a shepherd, wants the best He can provide for His people. Exactly like David did in providing for his father's sheep. David wanted the best water, grass, and protection for the flock. God has set up a plan in his Son, Jesus Christ, that will restore our soul back to the original relationship it had with Him. This plan is only offered if the Lord is our Shepherd. David, although a man after God's own heart, knew what it was to be broken by sin and restored. Read Psalm 51.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. When I willingly choose these paths of righteousness presented to us in His word, I will have a good family, be a good citizen in my community, will be known for good works, and by Christian living bring others to obey the gospel. I will let my light shine before men that they may see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; David had experienced walking with death on either side of him. Goliath, desperately wanted to kill him, out of jealously, king Saul wanted him dead, and also the enemies of God's people wanted him dead. This was the physical death on either side of him. Satan also wanted him spiritually dead to God. Through temptation and deception, the man after God's own heart sinned against God by committing adultery and murder. God walked him through all of this.
For You are with me; God delivered David from the lion, bear, Goliath and his confessed sins. He knew he could go through that valley, because God was with him. God does not change. God will deliver us from our trials as he delivered David. Need comfort? Do you have fear? Remember, God loves you and is more powerful than the one who is in this world. Please read Romans 8:31-39 and 1 John 4:4. If you and I are sheep in the fold of God, we should not fear any evil that Satan sends our way. Read Psalm 56:4; Psalm 118:6; and Hebrews 13:6. This is a truth from God's word, and He does not lie. Are you in His fold? If you are, then be bold, depending on the Lord as your Shepherd to protect you.
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. The shepherd's rod was used to protect the sheep from predators and to keep the sheep from straying. If studied and meditated upon, God's word can be used to protect us from the deceptions and temptations of the Devil that will bring us physical and spiritual harm. His word can also discipline us and convict us of any sin in our lives. The staff was used to hook the lambs, bringing them back when they wandered away from the flock, and to pull them out of harm's way. To me the staff represents God's love for us. When we are tempted to wander away, a reminder of the great love God has for us and the price His Son paid for us, should bring us gently back.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Even though Christians live in a fallen world, the providence of God has blessed each with many opportunities. We can succeed with the gifts God has given us to fulfill His purpose. All of this is done in the presence of the world. We are in this world to do the good works taken from the table God has prepared for us. We are to influence the world for good and not let the world influence us. We are in the world but not of the world. (John17:15-16)
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over; If I use this in a way where my head (mind) is to store knowledge and the oil represents knowledge, then God supplies His word in such an abundance, supplying all we need pertaining to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) The more I read in God's word, the more I stand in awe of Him and His love for me.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. This is my goal and should be the goal of every Christian. Wanting to be known as a man that has goodness and mercy following him in every life situation, can only be made possible by having the Lord as my Shepherd. Living this way would hopefully encourage my children, grandchildren, friends and family to do the same. Could David be saying it was worth it, by having the Lord as his shepherd? David's affirmation was to dwell in the house of the Lord who he had loved and trusted.
David confirms to his readers that the Lord is his shepherd. He then tells us what his shepherd has done for him. Finally, he relates to his readers the results of following his shepherd. David's life is a good example of what God can do with a person who believes, loves and trust in Him.
We all have many choices of who or what we will let lead us. There is only one good shepherd who wants to lead you in becoming the person He created you to be for His glory. He believes in you. Who is your shepherd? Are you willing to love, obey and trust Him? The choice has always been left up to us. The good shepherd will never force you to follow Him, but His will is you that will choose Him instead of the world.
Are you searching for a shepherd? Are you following the ways of the world? Does the world really care about you? What price is the world willing to pay for you? The Lord wants to be your shepherd and to prove it, He let His Son die for you. Is your life all messed up because of sin? Remember what David is trying to tell you. The Lord will Restore your soul.
How do you relate the 23rd Psalm to you? Please read it with the understanding that the Lord wants to help you through whatever trial you are in. Is it time to let Him be your shepherd?
Thanks for reading. You may contact me on Facebook or at www.rhepler52@gmail.com.
Rick Hepler
