Psalm 23

Psalm 23
This is probably one of the best known passages of Scripture in the world! I am most familiar with it in the King James Version, but maybe it will get our attention in a little different way if we look at it from the New Living Translation.

This is a good one to meditate on in the following way:

THE Lord is my shepherd (He's not "a" Lord, but the one and only Lord)
The LORD is my shepherd (who could have a better one?)
The Lord IS my shepherd (He has been and He will be, but most of all He IS my Shepherd today.)
The Lord is MY shepherd. (He knows me personally)
The Lord is my SHEPHERD. (He is totally responsible for my care, safety, even my eternal life)

Complete the rest of the Psalm in the same way.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

David surely knew what a good shepherd did because he himself spent his early life tending the sheep. Sheep are totally vulnerable to danger and getting lost and are completely dependent on the shepherd for their food, water, and protection.

The New Testament reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. If we are smart sheep we will follow Him knowing that He will lead us in the right ways for our own good and protection.

vv. 2-3 remind us that when we follow Jesus, we'll be content. What could be more pleasant than green meadows and peaceful streams?

v. 4 acknowledges that death is an unknown and frightening valley. Jesus will walk through this valley with us and bring us safely to the other side. We don't need to be afraid.

vv. 5-6 show us the Lord as a host who provides for his guests and protects them from enemies and then provides them a home in heaven forever.