A personal look at a popular Psalm

Attending a funeral recently I was reminded how personal the 23^rd Psalm is. Just notice the pronouns. To King David, God wasn’t someone else’s God, and he certainly wasn’t distant. He was near. And he was personally involved in King David’s life.

No wonder this is the Psalm that is read by the bedside of the suffering. But it isn’t just for funerals, it’s for any time that our soul needs to be reminded that we are not alone. Read it again, noticing the personal relationship available with God.

1    The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2    He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
         He leads me beside the still waters.
3    He restores my soul;
       He leads 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 You are with me;
          Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
          You anoint my head with oil;
          My cup runs 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 (Psalm 23:1-6)

Whatever you are facing today, remember you do not walk alone. Call out to your shepherd.
He will not leave you in your valley of despair, he will walk with you and bring comfort (23:4).
If your enemies are circling, God is preparing your provision and protection in that hour (23:5).
If you are unusually anxious, He will bring you to green pastures and still waters (23:2).
If your burden of guilt is greater than you can bear, God will provide mercy as you come to him (23:6)

Aren’t you glad you can say, “The Lord is my shepherd” and not simply yours, theirs, or someone elses?