He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. As I read this again, I realized that if God is our Shepherd, that means means we give Him control of our life. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; In Psalm 23 David also portrays the Lord as a gracious host. Thank you Lord for Psalm23. Remember, the sheep are menare people. Verses 1 and 2 explain how God is like a shepherd who provides and cares for His sheep. There is a sort of double progress in these verses which rises from memories of His care in the past: the experiences of God's present care for us, and our hope for the futurein other words, what was, what is, and what will be. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. He makes me lie down in green pastures . As we embody Psalm 139, we inevitably grow in our self-assurance, God-confidence, and inner contentment. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." But the day is coming when the Good Shepherd will call us to the great supper in His kingdom. Forever = Thats Eternity! In John 10:11, Jesus declared, I am the good shepherd. With God as our shepherd, there is nothing we will ever lack. 1 Peter 2:25 ESV - For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. It shows us how God is a sustainer, a guide, a leader, a provider, the ever-present one, and an amazing host who has prepared a table of abundance before us to feast on. There is much more you can draw from this beautiful Psalm. Psalm 23 (New Living Translation) A Psalm of David. Goodness and mercy will be following you everywhere, and you will spend eternity with God. Sheep need guidance to safe pastures, and we too need a Shepherd to guide us to safety and lead us to provision. Without a shepherd to protect and guide them, sheep are easy targets for predators. Be encouraged today my friends of faith!Today's amaz. Whatever it brings, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). Isaiah 40:11 ESV - He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. We find ourselves in need of God's forgiveness and restoration, which he offers freely to those who repent and return to him. "Thou annointest my head with oil" -- That's care, dedication and consecration! I got this from an email. He makes me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! 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The restored soul is then led on to another stage in God's plan for his lifeHe leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3). Shepherds use tools (rod and staff) to lead and guide their sheep. This is how God cares for us. It is about making a choice to cultivate intimacy with God. The child didnt cry or resist. We see this come to play as he stood before Goliath. As you walk through life, will you trust God to lead and guide you into the fullness of his purpose for your life? (2 Corinthians 12:9), 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. Beautiful Testimony. paths of righteousness--those of safety, as directed by God, and pleasing to Him. God is right by your side walking you through life. Good bless you. Let us now explore Psalm 23 line by line and phrase by phrase: The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:5. 2. David portrays God as a loving shepherd, a role the psalmist would have been deeply familiar with, as much of his boyhood was spent caring for his fathers sheep. Now if the Lord is our Shepherd, that makes us the sheep. We learn it in Sunday school, see it in funeral programs, and notice it on church dcor. Without a personal and deep-rooted relationship with God, you cannot know and understand his ways. It feeds upon the Word of God, and the thirsty soul drinks deep from the cool, still waters. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep in paths of righteousness to the very gates of the beautiful city itself, and on through the gates into the eternal fold, for it is written in Revelation 22:14, Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.. He leads me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! His omnipresence encircles us (verses 7-12). God's goodness means that they have nothing to fear: whatever happens to them, God will be with them. Hebrews 13:20 ESV - Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Revelation 7:17 ESV - For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.. Sometimes we think we know better than the Shepherd; were sure that we can take care of ourselves, but we really cant. This psalm shows us that David did not just tend sheep, but in that moment and season of his life, he could see and feel the hand of God present in his life. "The Lord is my Shepherd" -- That involves a one-on-one relationship, as an individual -- not just a number in a flock! (see John 10:11). thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. Psalm 23 - The LORD Is My Shepherd and My Host Like many others, this beloved psalm bears the simple title A Psalm of David . Choose a verse from 'Psalms 23' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight.org. A shepherd describes a more close and devoted relationship. Additionally, because they are dumb, sheep wander off and get lost, putting themselves in great danger. He is a faithful Shepherd that provides for His sheep (Matthew 6:33). Whenever a sheep strays, the shepherd finds and restores him back to the flock. 23rd Psalm - The Lord is my shepherd (KJV) Psalm 23:1-6 1. In Deuteronomy 8 Moses told the Israelites that God "let them be hungry" to test them and to teach them (vv. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. Why do I still feel guilty about my past sins? When we dont, its the same as choosing to be led by our selfish desires. The passage begins with this familiar reassurance: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.". Download this 11-page ebook on the seven keys to the Lords Prayer by entering your email address below. Every time I feel attacked, disappointed and falsely accused, I always remember Psalm 23.God is my protector,my shield and my provider. There will always be valley experience which can and will be restored. But it is for us. God bless you. As I read the article, I, "I truly love reading this prayer, and been given insight on what it means. He leads me beside still waters. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. A shepherd cares deeply not only for all his sheep as a whole but also for each and every single one. Come, join the TBTG Family. It is a Psalm that speaks about seasons in our lifes journey and what matters in those seasons. Sometimes we stray from the Lord, too. He could trust God in the stillness and calmness, and yet still trust him in the valley and chaos. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. He was clearly referring to the fact that He was giving His life to save us, His sheep. But the loving shepherd will leave the fold to find even one lost sheep. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. He leadeth me beside the still waters = Thats Refreshment! We do not naturally belong to the Lord's flock. The writer paints an enticing picture of who God is to him and uses metaphor to relate his experiences while walking with God. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This gave him the confidence to boldly declare those words. "Fear (Respect and honor) Him, in all your ways, and in the beauty of holiness." He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restores and heals our minds and emotions, renewing and strengthening our very lives! Psalm 23 explained beautifully - title photo. Put one foot in front of another while asking the Lord to provide a way out. In John 10:27, Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. When we submit to His will and His way, we can be sure that Hell guide us along the path that is best for us. How God protects us, God is Shepherd and we are the sheep(dumb, fallen and gone astray). 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 (Psalm 23:5-6). Psalm 23 Meaning Explained Beautifully A Personal Narrative of Psalm 23 verse 1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." 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