My Shepherd
Psalms 23
This Psalms is probably the most popular of all the psalms written. It is personally for me very special because this is the first entire chapter I had memorized. David being a shepherd in his early years now relates his experience to the relationship he has with the LORD.
There are several things is these six verses that David says of the LORD.
1. His Proper Place In Our Lives
Vs.1 The LORD is my shepherd
Mention: John 10:11 He is the Good Shepherd
Mention: Hebrews 13:20 The Great Shepherd of the sheep
1 Peter 2:25 He is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls
1 Peter 5:4 The Chief Shepherd
This is why perhaps we have heard some say the Pastor is the under shepherd, because the LORD is the Chief Shepherd.
Point: David statement implies that he has made the LORD his shepherd by submission and so it should be with all of His sheep.
“I shall not want”
Paraphrased: Christ is all I need!
See: Vs.2-3
2. The Peace of God
“He leadeth be beside the still waters”
The calmness of the water speaks of the peace that the LORD gives unto us all.
Notice that it is He the LORD that maketh, leadeth and restoreth.
“He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake”
See: Psalms 85:10-13 Righteousness shall go before Him…
3. The Protection of the LORD
See: Vs.4 Yea though…we all are going to have our yea though.
“I will fear no evil” This statement can only be made when you know that the LORD is with you!
“The Fear not”
Mention: Genesis 15:1 Fear not for I am the exceeding great reward (In other words do not fear I will provide for you)
He says the same to Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Joshua “Fear not”
See: Hebrews 13:5-6 He says also to the Church there is no need to fear
See: Psalms 23:4b Thy rod and thy staff comfort me
4. The Providence of God
Rod: The rod is the instrument used to chastise or chasten.
There are times when a sheep would go astray the shepherd would use his rod and even to the point of slightly injured a sheep that he might carry it for a while. This then brings about a closeness and bond with the sheep unto the shepherd.
Staff: The staff is the shepherd crook in which is used to pull a sheep in close or away from danger.
Truly for a child of God every event is orchestrated by the providence of God.
5. The Provision of God
See: Vs.5 He preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies…
Psalms 40:11 He shall feed His flock like a shepherd
The hand of God is upon His sheep “He anointest my head with oil”
“My cup runneth over”
That another way of me He so good to me I cannot bear it!
Vs.6a Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
Question: where would any of us be without the goodness and mercy of the LORD?
6. The Presence of the LORD
Again goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives.
Here is our commitment “I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever”
