Psalms 23
by Estelle Nazary
by Estelle Nazary
This little psalm is a message of great beauty, describing the peace and calm delight which dwell with one whose trust is wholly in God. David's thoughts are happy thoughts - he lacks nothing, has no fear. God's mercy and goodness are with him and he feels assured that they will continue to be with him all his life. He has but one desire for the future and that is to dwell in the presence of God forever.
As we think of this scripture, we would like to consider it as a bouquet of sweet peas.
1. Psalm of great beauty, sweetness, of purpose and of happy thoughts.
2. "The Lord is my Shepard" Provision - This is the key note of the whole Psalm. This is the voice of personal experience. Christ is the shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost, ruling and feeding each one who follows him laying down his life for the flock. Can you say, "The Lord is My Shepherd"? I shall not want that is therefore can I lack nothing. He gives everything one needs.
3. Plenty - (verse 2) - gives food and rest. He provides spiritual food and rest. Waters of refreshment for us spiritually. He revives the soul and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary.
4. Paths (verse 3) - He leadeth me in paths of pleasantness and peace to magnify his name as a gracious and merciful God.
5. Protector (verse 4) - Give assurance of God's presence with us when we need help and strength. He will not fear because the same gracious God will be with him, leading him, guiding his steps, keeping him from evil. The rod and staff comfort me. However long and dreary the way through the dark valley, I shall still have guidance and protection.
6. Power (verse 5) - God prepares his table laid before his enemies. His whole life full to overflowing with blessedness. His cup is not only full to the brim but runs over with happiness.
7. Peace (verse 6) - David has no doubt that God's goodness and mercy shall continue to cling to him all his life. Perfect peace and blessedness is his to enjoy.
8. Praise (verse 6b) - To live with God forever to behold his beauty. This expresses the longing of the soul for the continual presence of God and communion with him forever. Lifelong and everlasting companionship is his blessing.
What is your story? Can we truly say the Lord is MY shepherd?
As we think of this scripture, we would like to consider it as a bouquet of sweet peas.
1. Psalm of great beauty, sweetness, of purpose and of happy thoughts.
2. "The Lord is my Shepard" Provision - This is the key note of the whole Psalm. This is the voice of personal experience. Christ is the shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost, ruling and feeding each one who follows him laying down his life for the flock. Can you say, "The Lord is My Shepherd"? I shall not want that is therefore can I lack nothing. He gives everything one needs.
3. Plenty - (verse 2) - gives food and rest. He provides spiritual food and rest. Waters of refreshment for us spiritually. He revives the soul and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary.
4. Paths (verse 3) - He leadeth me in paths of pleasantness and peace to magnify his name as a gracious and merciful God.
5. Protector (verse 4) - Give assurance of God's presence with us when we need help and strength. He will not fear because the same gracious God will be with him, leading him, guiding his steps, keeping him from evil. The rod and staff comfort me. However long and dreary the way through the dark valley, I shall still have guidance and protection.
6. Power (verse 5) - God prepares his table laid before his enemies. His whole life full to overflowing with blessedness. His cup is not only full to the brim but runs over with happiness.
7. Peace (verse 6) - David has no doubt that God's goodness and mercy shall continue to cling to him all his life. Perfect peace and blessedness is his to enjoy.
8. Praise (verse 6b) - To live with God forever to behold his beauty. This expresses the longing of the soul for the continual presence of God and communion with him forever. Lifelong and everlasting companionship is his blessing.
What is your story? Can we truly say the Lord is MY shepherd?
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