The Lord is my Shepherd

Here is my thought on the scripture titled “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”.

The position of this psalm is worthy of notice. It follows the twenty-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. There are no green pastures, no still waters on the other side of the twenty-second psalm. It is only after we have read, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” that we come to “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

1) The Lord is my Shepherd – SUBMISSION

Now understand—sheep are not the smartest animals, so they need someone to take care of them, protect them, and even correct them. Sheep need guidance to safe pastures, and we too need a Shepherd to guide us to safety and lead us to provision.

2) I shall not want – DECLARATION and DECISION

3) He maketh me to lie in down in green pastures – PRESERVATION

4) He leadeth me besides the clear/still waters – LEADERSHIP/ NOURISHMENT

5) He restores my soul – RESTORATION

6) He leads me in the paths of righteousness – HOLINESS/ PURITY

For his name sake – Integrity

7) Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me- MENTAL HEALTH

Philip Keller (in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) writes that sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.

8) Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me – Loyalty / Comfort

9) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies – Nourishment. Protection

10) My cup runneth over – ABUNDANCE

11) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me – DIVINE ESCORTS

12) All the days of my life – ETERNAL

13) I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever