Extracts from Meditations From the Psalms

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (vv 1-3)

Child of God, slip your hand into the Saviour's, as we walk through this psalm. Having experienced God as one shepherd to another, David paints a picture of the Lord guiding, protecting, providing for, and leading his sheep to a joyous eternal destination - for our understanding. Rather than becoming over familiar with Psalm 23, turn to it repeatedly when you need encouragement or affirmation of God's goodness.

Picture yourself as a small sheep in the crook of the Shepherd's arm. He knows when you are hungry, what you need and when you need it. You will lack nothing. The words: "I shall not want" can be translated: "I have everything I need". Jesus' confirmed the extent to which He was prepared to go for His sheep in John 10: 11:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

The good shepherd is prepared to lay down His life for His sheep, and, as we well know, Jesus Christ did just that. With that thought in mind, settle down and read through the psalm knowing you can trust what God is telling you through David's words. A good shepherd seeks out and knows the exact location of the lushest fields for his sheep's sustenance. Speaking through the prophet, Ezekiel, God further confirms His intention to provide for His children:

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 34: 14-15)

The shepherd of our soul recognises when we need rest, and finds us a quiet place (in Himself) where we can renew our strength and refresh our souls. He is our comforter and our peace. In fact, Jesus told His disciples:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

If you are struggling with lack of peace (defined by Webster's dictionary as a state of tranquillity or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions) meditate on these translations for more assurance.

Jesus promised (and sent) the Holy Spirit to guide us in the paths of doing and being right, in order that He might be glorified. God, having said we should be holy, has given us everything we need to lead godly lives:

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (1 Peter 2:3)

We can walk the path of righteousness because He has made us able to do so with His divinely enabling Holy Spirit. It is to God's glory when His saints honour him. If you have attempting righteous living through your own strength, stop today and ask the Holy Spirit for His help. Remember, He knows the mind of God; and is aware of exactly which steps you should take to please and do what is right in God's sight. Turn to Him for counsel in every area of your life. As your shepherd, nothing is hidden from His sight, anyway.

If you ask you will receive. It's His promise.