Psalm 23
Sunday, 13 October 2024
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. -Psalm 23:1
A very familiar Psalm, even to little children yet rich in meaning upon meditation. In this Psalm, David speaks quite personally of God. He claims that the Lord is his Shepherd! It’s worth finding out why David said God is his shepherd and why we too can say the same today.
He knows me
A single flock can have as few as ten animals or as much as hundreds of them. A good shepherd knows every sheep in the flock regardless of how big the numbers could be (John 10:3-5). Likewise, David when he uses the metaphor of the Shepherd to describe God, it talks not just about a designation or a name for the Lord, but the relationship between God and his covenant children.
He not only knows but He cares! The Bible says God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life, (John 3:16). The Bible also says that whoever receives him receive the power to know God as personally as a son knows his father (John 1:12).
He provides for me
We don’t need to worry about our needs because just like the Shepherd is aware of the needs of his flock and leads them to green pastures and still waters, God also is aware of our needs, as well as how and where to meet them. Once again, the New Testament bears witness to His divine provision because in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus advises us not to feel anxious about our needs and assures that God will provide. Matthew 6:30 NLT says: “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” There is one condition however—God shall not sustain our greed that destroys us (Proverbs 30:8); but He will meet our genuine needs (James 4:1-3).
He comforts me
The rod and the staff brought comfort to the sheep. In our walk with God this rod is none other than His Word. The shepherd’s staff is a symbol of authority over his sheep. Similarly, God’s Word is a symbol of His authority over our lives which brings comfort when we voluntarily submit ourselves to it. First His Word helps us to resist temptations (Psalm 119:11). Second it prevents us from making wrong decisions, (Psalm 119:105). Third it searches our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Fourth it convicts sinners and leads them to the cross of Christ (Acts 2:37-40).
Many have not fully experienced this kind of care that the Shepherd of our soul can bring into our lives and you might wonder why? The Shepherd metaphor refers to God’s covenant relationship with His children. You may ask yourselves what does it mean to be a covenant child and how can we can become one? A covenant is basically a conditional agreement between two or more parties; and for us believers, we came into this relationship the moment we humbled ourselves and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as a payment of the penalty of our sins. This entitles us to the nurture and care of the Good Shepherd, and we bring it to pass in our lives through faith in all His promises. So let us remember and treasure this covenant we have with our Heavenly Father each moment of our lives.
Thought for the Day:
“We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my shepherd.” ― C H Spurgeon
Listen: 'The Lord’s my Shepherd'
Comments