Psalm 23 ~ A Psalm for Today

 Psalm 23 ~ A Psalm for Today

Hmm, this set of scripture is so beautifully poetic, but so over used and underappreciated.  Poetry? I’m not a huge fan myself.  But the language and the way it’s written has drawn me in.  As I have said, I love these verses, but have not always been a fan because of its over-use especially at funerals.  It’s not wrong on any account to these use this passage at a funeral, but for me, I find this passage is for us, now, in the land of the living. We’ll talk about that more in a minute.

A little back story, for the month of December I decided that I wanted to read through the book of Psalms sections per day for the whole month. My plan was to make notes on things that stood out and go back over those parts more in depth. I read Psalm 23 and that was it. Didn’t make any notes just read it for the sake of reading it and marking it off my list.  Its February now and I’m still working my way through Psalms and my notes. Something kept pulling at me to give it another look.  I knew pretty much instantly that the “Shepherd’s Prayer” is what I wanted to share with you.

 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He maketh me lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3) He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5) Thou preparest a table before in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. 6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Who is your shepherd? The Lord is, right? That’s what it says. But who is the Lord? He’s creator of everything.  The word “Lord” used here was translated from the Hebrew word “YHWH” and then translated into “Yahweh” and since has been translated to mean redeemer, deliverer or savior. In this passage (and many others) it’s used when referring to redemption.

Also, the word “Shepherd” can be translated as: companion, friend, and indicates a strong friendship because of common interests.  

Now, knowing this with those definitions read it again and replace the words, Lord and Shepherd with redeemer and companion. “The redeemer is my companion”. The Lord, the creator of all wants to be your ultimate companion. 

The word (is) in this verse is a linking verb. It indicates that this is a present tense verb. It’s not past or future. It’s now. In the present. It’s with you even now regardless of what you’re walking through. Even if, especially if, you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

The Lord wants to be your Shepherd. He eagerly wants that relationship with you.  It’s a personal relationship.  He has even sought you out.

 A shepherd in the natural environment is a caretaker, a protector, a leader, a provider, and defender.  The quality of life for the sheep depends on the shepherd.  Same as our lives with Jesus as our shepherd.  A sheep does not choose his shepherd. A shepherd carefully chooses his sheep, whom He wants to bring into his fold.

That reminds me of the verse in John where it says, “I am the good shepherd” and “my sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me.”.  John 10: 11 and 10:27. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. I’m glad that we can look to Jesus to be our ultimate guide.

The Second part of the verse says, “I shall not want”. That leads me to believe that we are content. Not having a need for anything that isn’t already provided. No lack.  Philippians 4:19 says it this way; But my God shall supply ALL your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Also, 2 Corinthians 9:8 puts it like this: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having ALL sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work.

He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  The Lord compels me to rest in an environment that is protected. That is lush and our needs are satisfied. The shepherd is out front leading. He is leading me beside the still, quiet, and calming waters. The color green is used to symbolize; help, alleviate anxiety and depression. Then later, the color is also used to bring hope, health, and renewal. Exactly what this verse is describing.

He restores my soul. He re-establishes my identity. He provides me with rest and rejuvenation. He leads me in the paths of God’s faithfulness for his name’s sake.  His name. The Lord. Yahweh. Redeemer, deliverer, savior. There is no other name. It’s all done for His glory and honor on the earth.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. 

We walk through the valley. We still have low places to walk through until Jesus returns. We’re not on the other side of eternity, yet. Thankfully, that word through is there. We’re walking through the valley. It’s not the final destination only a part of the journey.

Of the shadow of death.  Shadows are dark places that does not allow the light to penetrate. That could lend itself to all kinds of analogies or metaphors, but in the end we wont be hindered by the shadows. 

 I will fear no evil. Why? For thou art with me. The LORD, our shepherd is with us. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  A shepherd is always prepared to defend and protect his flock.  It’s his main priority.

 

Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies.

Who prepares the table for you? The Lord does. We think in the natural that we should be the one preparing a table for The LORD to come and dine, but no. He does all the work.  All that’s required of us is to come and dine, remember our redeemer.

 Where does the Shepherd put on this glorious display? Right in front of our enemies. In the enemy’s presence. This doesn’t mean the enemy flees. No. He’s still there. But so are we and so is our Shepherd.  Refueling us for the rest of the walk. The enemies see and know who our defender is.  

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Focus on the first part again, who anoints? The LORD does.  What does he anoint with? Oil. What is oil representative of? The Holy Spirit. A fresh filling. So much so that it runs over. When it runs over its no longer just for you. He not only supplied enough for you, but others through your refreshing.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The word surely means: a strong positive assertion of the truth. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Here we are in the land of the living once more. The LORD’s goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life AND there’s more… You shall even dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

One last thing.

Verse	Verb	Verb	Verb
Verse 1	Is
Verse 2	Make	Lead
Verse 3	Restore	Lead
Verse 4	Walk	Will	Comfort
Verse 5	Preparest	Anoint	Run
Verse 6	Follow	Will

 

What do all these words have in common? They’re all verbs.  But not just verbs they’re all present tense verbs or even present perfect tense verbs.  A psalm for you for today.  In every one of these verses, it’s about the Lord and us. See, it’s all relational. Its not just David and God. It’s the sheep and shepherd. It’s the Good Shepherd and you.

I hope this Psalm has encouraged you and you see it as a psalm for today.