Psalm 23
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 thought 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 shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
A Thought
David, a shepherd boy in his youth, knew what it meant to be a good shepherd in charge of his sheep. In 1 Samuel 17:34 David explains how he had rescued his sheep from the mouth of a lion or a bear and if it turned on him, he took it by the hair and struck it and killed it. So David uses this to illustrate the love and trust that he has in his Lord. David has no need to want-everything is provided for him; food, water, peaceful rest, guidance for the right path, comfort and protection from his enemies. David also has no fear of death. God’s anointing oil overflows David’s head with goodness and love. David knows he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. All of this is offered to everyone who will believe, love, trust and obey our Shepherd, Jesus the Christ.
Our Prayer
Father open our hearts with your love and forgiveness. Anoint our head with overflowing with your Spirit of wisdom and knowledge of how to know you better. We desire to walk in faith with love, believing every Word you have spoken to us. Help us to submit to your rod and staff as our defense and help knowing that one day we will walk through only the shadow of death because Jesus took our death on the cross so we might live eternally in your house forever with you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
