Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and well known passages of scriptures. It teaches us that God, above all else, is in control and has your best interest at heart. It reminds all believers that there is a God and He is the one who leads you and cares for you. In essence, David is reminding the believer in this passage of scripture that there is nothing that can come against the believer that God cannot handle.
The first verse is the most profound because in it we are reminded that God will never leave us without. We need God to provide for us, because like sheep, we are not the wisest of beings without His guidance and will in our lives.
We know that if it is Him who provides we can have that peace that comes with resting beside the quiet waters in the green pastures. The believer is reminded that we can have peace that surpasses all understanding. That is what the quiet still water and green pastures represent: A life that has peace!
Psalm 23 also tells us that there is no evil that can overtake us:
“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.” (v.4)
In our darkest hours, when evil seems to overcome, the Shepherd is there, tapping the staff to lead us out. For there is no temptation that is set before, that we cannot escape! When evil tries to attack, it is the Shepherd’s rod that protects us, fights off the enemy on our behalf, and keeps us from falling into danger! We are safe in His arms.
The truth in God’s abundance provision is also seen when we read about the God preparing a table and anointing the head of his servant. How powerful these words are because they tell us that…
- God wants us to have the best and that is why He provides.
- God wants to prosper and succeed.
- God wants us to enjoy the wonders of what He has to offer so much so that He gives more than we could ever want or need.
Not only does he do all of what has already been mentioned but He takes it a step further and gives us the grace and mercy we need to dwell in His house forever.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (v.6)
It is grace and mercy the led us to salvation. It is salvation that gives us the opportunity to receive eternal life.
After reading a scripture like this, how can one ever doubt God’s love for them?
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Thanks for sharing these great reminders found in Psalm 23!
I love Psalms 23! Less than a month ago, I read this verse to my mother-in-law as she was in her final minutes of life. Afterwards,, I sang “Jesus Loves The Little Children”, and what a honor it was to be holding her hand when Jesus picked her and carried her home. Isn’t it wonderful to be reminded in the scriptures that “we” are not alone at anytime, and that our Heavenly Papa has our path prepared, and He is on that path with us, no matter how bumpy it gets? And how we “are” His little children, no matter how bad we have been, He still loves us?
This is good, I’ve been dealing with fear and I know it is not from God. Thank you:)