Understand Psalm 23
Is the 23rd Psalm one of your favorite Psalms? Well, here is one commentary, one phrase at a time. You may encourage yourself or others with the Word and verify these comments, respecting God and His plan for each of us...
Contents
Steps
- Read and study the 23rd Psalm-- and Be Mindful (Old Testament) of God's still small voice:
- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
- He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
- He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
- Truly, 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."
- Take it phrase by phrase. Consider each line.
- Think of the implications to you and your sphere of influence for life, both mountain top and the darkest valley. One example of meaning is given:
- "The Lord is my Shepherd" -- That involves a one-on-one relationship, as an individual -- not just a number in a flock!
- "I shall not want" -- That's the source for your needs: your Shepherd supplies the way, truth and the life!
- "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" -- That's splendid contentment -- plenty of rest!
- "He leadeth me beside the still waters" -- That's cool, peaceful refreshment!
- "He restoreth my soul" -- That's provision for revitalization and healing!
- "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness" -- That's leadership and guidance in following God's will!
- "For His namesake" -- That gives a higher purpose for life!
- "Truly, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" -- That's about testing in the darkest valley, even through death!
- "I will fear no evil" -- That's knowing you are protected even at your lowest hour!
- "For Thou art with me" -- That's the constant faithfulness of The Shepherd!
- "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" -- That's God's protection against the enemies!
- "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" -- That's assurance of support and hope in danger!
- "Thou annointest my head with oil" -- That's care, dedication and consecration!
- "My cup runneth over" -- That's His abundance flowing to you and out to others!
- "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" -- That's the blessing and power of grace, through faith remembering "God is Love," not just words!
- "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord" -- That's home and security in the Lord's provision/Heaven!
- "Forever." -- That's now and always -- for eternity!
- Decide what is most valuable to you:
- Is it just: "What you have" in your life?
- Is it more: "Who you have" in your life?
- Be available to God's will to walk in Biblical concepts.
- Seek God while He may be found. Which means after you get yourself in trouble -- but better yet -- seek Him beforehand.
- Seek scriptural wisdom and knowledge which does not ridicule faith -- plus always listen to your better judgment (not your careless, angry or silly side) for serious matters; believe Jesus that He will never leave you, but that He sends comfort and guidance by the Holy Spirit.
Tips
- If the Lord is your Shepherd, then His way surely will "interfere" in your life... So how does change sound. If you pray for help, that could be like an "intervention": be ready for possible interference in your plans that either are or are not in His will. Are you that open to that kind of new life (following... the Shepherd)?
- "Fear (Respect and honor) Him, in all your ways, and in the beauty of holiness." (Psalm 96: 8, 9) That scripture can make the 23rd Psalm become more real to you.
- What is sufficient?: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." [That boast is like: "I am weak but He strengthens me!"] (2 Corinthians 12:9) to stand with Him in and by His strength.
- All compliments and praise can be reflected back to him: "Yes, by the power of God, including His grace, I can do all that I must."
Warnings
- Remember: the Lord's grace is sufficient -- as you follow Him and Glorify God (Christianity) in your life.
- One may seek Christ and "be born again" and become a follower of Jesus the Christ -- then trusting, obeying Him, also doing His works, offering eternal hope to the hopeless.
- Do not ask the Lord Jesus to guide your footsteps unless you are willing to move your feet, mind and activities -- and follow His lead.
- Jesus told his disciples to come on and "follow me" now. "Do not say it is yet four months and then comes the Harvest, for it [the harvest of souls] is now ripe..." (John 4:35) Now, but realize that there are different members of the body -- some are strong and some are dealing with weakness that they want to overcome; you may help someone, but realize there are freeloaders, tyrants, liars and mentally unbalanced people who are not trustworthy, who may cross your path and present a devastating challenge. Yet, the Shepherd shall not leave those following His path, especially in the inevitable time of loss, even to the end, "resting" in Him -- knowing you shall rise in new life, in the place prepared by Him.
Sources and Citations
- Partially based on an email with two words for each line like: " 'The Lord is my Shepherd' -- That's relationship!" asking everyone to send it on to friends and family.
- The 22nd Psalm in the Vulgate and some Catholic bibles
- This article uses the New King James Version, but there are other versions you could read.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness...."
- John 4:35 - "Do not say 'yet four months and then comes the Harvest', for it [the harvest of souls is now ripe..."]
