Psalm 23

So often we read scripture as if it were a novel.  However, the Bible is a book of recollections and promises.  As I read Psalm 23, I am reminded of all the wonderful promises that God has in store for me.  When the world appears to get worse and worse, I can rely on the word of God to remind me of the prophecies, recollections, and promises He has given.

Psalm 23: 1-2

1a) The Lord is my shepherd.  God is my protector.  He is my guide.  He is my provider.  He is my savior.  A shepherd does not just watch over the sheep, but a shepherd literally takes care of the sheep.  A shepherd ensures nothing attacks the sheep, and he leads the sheep to calm streams of water for drink.  A good shepherd knows the number of sheep in his charge, and will leave none behind.  This is the Lord, our good Shepherd.  As His sheep, you can rest assured that you are not alone and that He is taking care of you, protecting you, leading you, and providing for you.

1b) I shall not want.  God has promised to provide for our every need.  Here it is simply stated that we will not be in lack or want.  God, in all His riches will provide for us.

2a) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  Here God promises that we will be led to a place of abundance.  Green represents life and provision.  So, God is going to lead you to the pastures of provision and abundance.  There is nothing to fear if we follow His leading.

2b) He leadeth me beside the still waters.  Sheep will not drink from a rushing stream.  A good shepherd knows that in order for his sheep to drink, he has to pt them in front of a still body of water. So, God knows what we can handle and what it takes to nourish us.  He will not put steak in front of us if we are still on milk.  However, He won't put milk in front of us if He knows we can handle steak.  He is an all knowing God and He does what is best for us and what is in our best interest.  We may think we are ready for something when in fact we are not.  God will not lead us into a place to be destroyed or shamed.  He will put us at the table that is serving the appropriate meal for our spiritual maturity.


When we find things are not going the way we have planned, let us remember that God is in control.  As a Good Shepherd, He is doing what is in our best interest to provide, preserve, protect, guide and save us.

Trust in His plan and in His method. Let the Shepherd be the Lord of your life.