Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

The Twenty-third Psalm is one of the most powerful pieces of writing in existence, and it can do marvelous things for any person. Charles Allen, author of 'God's Psychiatry' says that he has suggested this psalm to many people and, in every instance in which he knows of it being tried, it has produced results. He says that this psalm can change your life very quickly. Allen suggests that you read this psalm 5 times a day for one week. Read it the first thing when you wake up in the morning. Read it carefully, meditatively, and prayerfully. Read it again immediately after breakfast. Do exactly the same thing, immediately after lunch, again after dinner, and, finally, the last thing before you go to bed.

For twenty-five centuries it has been treasured in the hearts of people.

There is a constructive, God honouring way of responding to anxiety in our lives. This psalm provides a model for us, a paradigm to be followed throughout our lives as we respond to all the difficulties and worries that come our way.

The Lord is a faithful sheperd.
1) He provides for you 2) He guides you and 3) He protects you.

God's provision is perfect
David says that a good shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and quiet waters. The green pastures probably refer to the tender young shoots that grow up in the morning and are loved by the wildlife of Palestine. The quiet waters probably refer to a well-spring with fresh water. The psalmist wants us to understand that this Shepherd goes all out for his sheep. The Shepherd wants them to have the best and is likewise sensitive to their needs.

His Provision renews
“he restores my soul,” should be understood first of all on the level of the metaphor of the sheep and its shepherd. The green pastures and quiet waters, provided by so caring a shepherd are for the physical nourishment and energy of the sheep. The shepherd literally revives the life of the sheep under his care.

To guide you
1) He guides you in righteous paths and 2) He does it for His name’s sake.
God’s name is on the line in your life. He wants to show the world that He is faithful to provide for all your needs and guide you in righteous paths, in a holy life.

To Protect you
We often travel through what appears to be dangerous circumstances but we need not be overcome with fear for as the shepherd is with us and is able to ward off any danger by his rod and staff, so God is powerful enough to protect us from danger.You can trust Him to protect you from everything He does not desire for your life.

Rejoice in God’s grace
1) Because he spares no blessing - The picture here is of God as a gracious host, throwing a banquet as it were, sparing no extravagance for the invited guest. David says, “my cup overflows” which could either mean that the quality of the drink is absolutely superb or that the host had provided him with an abundance. Either way, the tremendous grace of God is evident in David’s experience here.

2) Because it Results in Constant Fellowship with Him
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Rather than being pursued by his enemies (e.g. Saul), the goodness and mercy (i.e. God’s lovingkindness) of God will follow him all his days and he knows that he will dwell in the house of the Lord for as long as he lives. David envisions the direction his life will take as centered around fellowship and communion with His God. The grace of God can accomplish that in our lives as well.

Do we realize how gracious God has been to us in Christ, forgiving our sin against Him and giving us His Spirit to enable us to walk with Him (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:12)? We ought to rejoice in God’s grace toward us, rather than be overcome with anxiety over the circumstances the good Shepherd allows in our lives.

Why not read the Psalm now? :)