Psalms 23
Psalms 23:1-6 (NLT)
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
Peace, strength and discernment for today.
Provision, protection and direction for tomorrow.
Honor, love and acceptance when we’re done.
I’m in. Let’s go have a great life.
The first three verses are about the Shepherd, while verses 4-6 are expressed to Him. He first does all these things that, when followed, become more than just functions, but intimacy in relationship with comfort and protection in the darkest of times. The intangible yet wonderfully blessed elements of goodness and mercy/unfailing love are inevitable benefits of this relationship. To submit in following Him is to expect a following of us in the fragrance of knowing Him. The statement of the Lord as Shepherd is the determining statement. Although this is a popular passage that is widely used for comfort and peace, it is most effective in the life that has lived out the first three verses of submission to His direction and care. Those assurances of His presence in the valley and preparations of feasts before the enemies are really only for those who have committed their lives to only going where He leads and consuming only what He feeds.