Do you have a prayer request? It is memorized and repeated in all lands. When the apostle Paul stood before Nero, he was not alone. The passage begins with this familiar reassurance: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.". 1. He restores my soul. This gave him the confidence to boldly declare those words. As I read this again, I realized that if God is our Shepherd, that means means we give Him control of our life. Jesus is called the good shepherd and we as his children are the sheep of his pasture. "Forever." We find ourselves in need of God's forgiveness and restoration, which he offers freely to those who repent and return to him. "For Thou art with me" -- That's the constant faithfulness of The Shepherd! So, even when we walk through the valleys of life and death is staring us in the face, we are not afraid knowing that God is with us and will shield and protect us from danger and evil. If you are going through a season of sin, discouragement, or despair in your life right now, ask yourself, Am I walking or camping?. All believers can say, "We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want (Lessons from Psalms 23) -ibelieve.com, Psalms 23 Commentary - biblestudytools.com, How to Find Daily Encouragement from 'the Lord Is My Shepherd' in Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want (Lessons from Psalms 23). We may not always be able to see or understand, but we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). What is sufficient? Beautiful Testimony. "I shall not want" -- That's the source for your needs: your Shepherd supplies the way, truth and the life! It brings us comfort in our darkest hours because it creates beautiful imagery of . Here is the picture of that blessed state in Revelation 7:16-17, They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. The clear implication of David's statement in Psalm 23:1 is that as one of God's sheep he will lack nothing which is necessary for his best interest. Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd ( John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4 ), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Genesis 48:15, Psalms 80:1, Isaiah 40:11, is not without some good reason. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most widely known scriptures in the Bible. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most widely known scriptures in the Bible. There is much more you can draw from this beautiful Psalm. Has that ever happened to you? Some people find reading commentaries on passages of scripture helpful. And for the sake of His name and His glory, He guides our wills to line up with His. the still waters--are, literally, "waters of "stillness," whose quiet flow invites to repose. But the loving shepherd will leave the fold to find even one lost sheep. He is a God who cares about the state of our well-being spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Every time I feel attacked, disappointed and falsely accused, I always remember Psalm 23.God is my protector,my shield and my provider. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Green pastures also relate to the Word of God. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. It is a Psalm that speaks about seasons in our lifes journey and what matters in those seasons. The sheep often goes where the shepherd leads. Now notice the next sentence in the text, My cup runneth over. God's blessing here and hereafter is more than we can receive. Whatever it brings, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). Psalm 23 - The LORD Is My Shepherd and My Host Like many others, this beloved psalm bears the simple title A Psalm of David . To God be the Glory! David calls God a shepherd and declares that because God is his shepherd, hence he shall not lack any good thing. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord" -- That's home and security in the Lord's provision/Heaven! What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? You may be wondering, "What does Psalm 23 mean? He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, 4. Our Shepherd also leads us in the right way. Lets keep thinking about valleys for a moment. Psalm 23 ends with these words And I shalldwellin the house of theLord forever. It is a calming assurance that comes with choosing to abide daily in Gods presence. With God as our shepherd, there is nothing we will ever lack. A shepherd cares deeply not only for all his sheep as a whole but also for each and every single one. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. In one sense, this was not unusual. We don't have to worry or feel alone because He is with us at all times. Psalm 23:4 Even though Iwalk through the valley ofthe shadow of death, I willfear no evil, foryou are with me, yourrod, and your staff, they comfort me. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. So true..what a beautiful promise that Jesus gave us..He is our Shepherd, we dont have to fear anything for He is with us.Even though we go through the valley of death. God bless you. "Thou annointest my head with oil" -- That's care, dedication and consecration! . The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. But the good news is this: our Shepherd cares for us, and He is able to restore our souls. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. The picture of the divine Shepherd leading His flock fills the first four verses of Psalm 23. 5) Psalm 23: Conclusion. This is a beautiful picture to share with him. Truly, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. When verses and chapters become familiar, we tend to not pay close attention to them. 'The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want' - Meaning of Psalm 23 Explained, 30 Verses to Reflect on in the Book of Hebrews. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Sometimes in the valleys of life, we take on a woe is me attitude and completely ignore all of the blessings that God has given us. Hebrews 13:20 ESV - Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, Revelation 7:17 ESV - For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.. It is about knowing and embracing the shepherd whom David spoke about. Verse 6. Psalm 23 (New Living Translation) A Psalm of David. ", and Bible resources, we can enjoy it so much. [That boast is like: "I am weak but He strengthens me!"] 56). He leadeth me beside the still waters = Thats Refreshment! Psalm 23 Please sign up for our emails so we can send you updates , free devotionals, videos, teachings, prophetic words, and more. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names sake. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. David said I shall not want because God is my Shepherd and will always meet my needs. Today, you too can boldly declare that the Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23 Explained A song of abundance. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. It is no wonder that this Psalm has been a great source of comfort and hope to many in trying times, difficult seasons of life, and even in the face of death. The prophet Samuel anointed him king, but it would be another decade or more before David was recognized by Israel. Heres whybecause the Bible is a living document. Submit your request and our prayer team will pray for you. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. I will make a pathway through the wilderness. This verse also shows God as a guide who leads us through life on paths that honor his name and bring glory to him. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The Lord is my Shepherd = Thats Relationship! Jesus is called the good shepherd, and he said my sheep know my voice and a strangers voice they will not follow. 1 Peter 4:10 ESV - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV - Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. She currently lives in Lagos, Nigeria with her family. Psalm 23 Explained Beautifully. It is the universal Psalm, the chief Psalm, the pearl of Psalms. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. Shepherds use tools (rod and staff) to lead and guide their sheep. The Bible never changes, but it always changes something in us when we read it. Jesus was the Shepherd who became a sheep. (LogOut/ thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. "He restoreth my soul" -- That's provision for revitalization and healing! We do not naturally belong to the Lord's flock. : "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' The fact that all the Ten Commandmentsnot five or eight of themare repeated in principle in the New Testament and are taught by both Christ and the apostles, sustains the Word of the Psalmist. Praying will help you as well. We love you, and we want to build relationship with you. Hence, he could clearly talk about his relationship and experience with God using the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep. Research source Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? 2. green pastures--or, "pastures of tender grass," are mentioned, not in respect to food, but as places of cool and refreshing rest. Titus 1:7 ESV - For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. I shall not want, not because of what I've done or can do but because God loves me. Learn Religions. (English Standard Version)A Psalm of David.The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 2-3). "Lessons From Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd." God is always in control of what is happening, but we also have free will. I shall not want = That's Supply! Forever = Thats Eternity! % of people told us that this article helped them. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. hallelujah ! 1 Peter 5:4 ESV - And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. He leads me beside the still waters = Thats Refreshment! "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" -- That's God's protection against the enemies! Verse 1. Lectionary Calendar. Ive been tremendously blessed by this explanation. It is a psalm of life, rest, and peace. StudyLght.org. Psalm 23 (New International Version)A Psalm of David.The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures,He leads me beside quiet waters,He restores my soul.He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. And by these blessings to which the great Shepherd leads us, we find our souls restored, the natural life invigorated, the spiritual life reborn. Praise You Jesus Amen. Listen to this beautiful song titled Psalm 23 by the Zoe Group. This tends to rob us of the joy that can come from our relationship with God. He also knew that God would care for him just like a shepherd will care for his sheep. May He continue to guide and guard you in Jesus Name. It paints a beautiful picture of serenity, peace, and the security that comes with trusting in God. Thou anointest my head with oil Or ointment, as the Syriac and Arabic interpreters render it, namely, with aromatic ointments, which were then used in great feasts. Before David became king of Israel, he was a shepherd. We can be sure that Gods goodness and mercy will pursue us every single day when we allow Him to shepherd us. For the more we know him, the more we become confident of his love, grace, and blessings. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.. He provides for us here in this world. David calls God a shepherd and declares that because God is his shepherd, hence he shall not lack any good thing. Thank God- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. "For His namesake" -- That gives a higher purpose for life! In John 10:27, Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. When we submit to His will and His way, we can be sure that Hell guide us along the path that is best for us. I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU!!! Jesus said, as we read in John 10:27, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.. Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story Study Guide, The Ultimate List of Christmas Bible Verses to Celebrate Jesus' Birth, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. This means that if you could put your blessings in a cup, they would run over the top. And now the Shepherd leads on, not only beside the still waters of rest and the righteous paths of service, but through trouble and sorrow. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. The overflowing cup symbolizes Gods open-hearted generosity. If you have not already been saved by Jesus Christ, that may help you feel better. Sometimes we stray from the Lord, too. It's as Isaiah has said: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" ( Isaiah 53:6 ). When David was still a teenager, God chose him to be king. I thank God for your inspiration. No one can rest in mind and heart until the weight of a guilty conscience is removed. Psalm 23 explained beautifully by Walter Rasmussen. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:5-6). He knows each of our comings and goings, he knows every hair on our heads, he knows when even one of us is lost and has made every provision to find us through His Son Jesus Christ. Moreover, Psalm 23 encourages everyone that whether it is life or death, happiness or sadness and abundance or shortage of anything, God is our excessive faith and confidence. But the day is coming when the Good Shepherd will call us to the great supper in His kingdom. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake (vv. In ancient times, hospitality involved more than merely providing a meal for guests. The Lords covenant with us will last for all eternity. This proclaims the metaphor of the psalm, that god is like our shepherd. It is a calming assurance that comes with choosing to abide daily in Gods presence. The 22nd Psalm in the Vulgate and some Catholic bibles Psalm 23:5. Read it as many times as you need to until the meaning begins to sink in. David did not call God a deliverer or a king, he was specific with the word Shepherd. Even in the bleakest, blackest times of life, we dont have to fear harm because our God is with us. Psalm 23 begins with a powerful statement of declaration by David about who God is to him. When God calls, will you answer? Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It shows us how God is a sustainer, a guide, a leader, a provider, the ever-present one, and an amazing host who has prepared a table of abundance before us to feast on. May Our Lord Jesus, The Good Shepherd give us more insight of the Word God so that we can share with others. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. I shall not want = Thats Supply! David knew this because he had come to see God as a personal shepherd to him. . Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary.". So, friend, do not worry about the future. Gods goodness and mercy are never-ending. As I dwelt on how God has been so good to us, my mind went to Psalm 23 and thats how I landed on your page. Now it is more than rest or workit is conflict. He is, indeed, worthy of our worship and praise. The restoration of the soul comes first; then the works of righteousness. Let this Psalm give you comfort when you are in a time of distress, pain, grief, discouragement, disappointment. And they are three: rest, work, and sorrow. Are you a child of God? Jesus said no one will snatch you out of my hands! Thou preparesta table before me in the presence of mine enemies = Compare in several popular Bible translations: (King James version)A Psalm of David.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.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.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Mind and heart until the meaning begins to sink in before david became king of Israel, was! To share with him, which means that many of our articles are by! 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