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. Psalm 23 KJV
These words from King David are as inspiring and true today as they were when he wrote them two and a half thousand years ago. This beautiful psalm shares the comfort and reliability of the Lord. It reveals the strength and peace that can only be found through faith in God.
In his youth, David was a shepherd. He cared for his father’s flock and knew the value of green pastures and still waters. Green pastures provided food for the sheep. Still waters were safe places for them to drink where these wooly creatures would not be carried away by the current of fast-moving streams.
Rely on The Lord
David knew how to protect his flock. As a shepherd, one of his responsibilities was to put himself between the sheep and any threat that came their way. Faithfully performing this duty, the future king confronted and killed a lion. In addition, without modern weapons, he once killed a bear to save his sheep from danger. As a servant of God, David relied on the Lord to protect him and provide for his needs just as he cared for his father’s sheep.
When David praises the Lord for setting a table for him in the presence of his enemies, we are reminded of when he fled from Saul who sought to kill him. He found protection in the strangest place; among the Philistines who had been his enemies. With God’s protection and guidance, David overcame his troubles no matter what the circumstances and we can too.
Trust in God
David put his faith and trust in the power of God to deliver him from danger. As he walked through the valley with his enemies raised above him on the hillside, David’s faith did not falter because he knew the faithfulness of the Lord. Led in righteousness for the glory of God, with the Lord as his shepherd, he had more than he needed to overcome adversity.
As Christians. Jesus Christ is our shepherd. The Lord says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. WEB” The Lord gave his life so that we might be saved and have eternal life in heaven. In the words of King David, surely, we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the inspiration of your holy word. Thank you for the encouragement it brings to my soul. Guide my steps with your wisdom. Give me peace and strength to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: That You May Have Peace
