Psalm 23

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Psalm 23

Posted On : Sep-20-2011 | seen (524) times | Article Word Count : 1861 |

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Not lacking, or Wanting, as the scripture says it, takes action on our part. Spiritual needs are filled by God as we pray, fast and study the Word of God. Natural needs are met as we do what we can with what we have. God will provide for us, but if we sit back and wait for God to provide, we will probably lack.) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. God provides the Word of God for us to feed upon.

Psalm 23

1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 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 for ever.

Food For Thought

The Twenty-third Psalm is probably one of the most well known portions of Scripture in the Bible. Many are they who have memorized it’s words and recite them during times of danger or stress. This Psalm is a poem of immense promise, a testimony from God to us about the loving kindness He has toward us. About the security and safety we have in this sheepfold called the Church. What faith, what power, what destiny lies in the simple words "The Lord is MY Shepherd.

This is a very personal passage of scripture, you can apply it to yourself and take it to the bank.

King David, the writer of this Psalm, spent his early years as a shepherd. These times taught him much more about leading people than the best schools of statecraft ever could have. They also taught him much about the relationship between God and his people. He wrote of a trust in God that had seen him through many treacherous times. We can have the same confidence in God that David had. God hasn’t changed, what he did for David, He’ll do for you.

Let’s take a verse-by verse look at some beautiful truths in this passage. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The sole function of a sheepherder is to care for the needs of the sheep. A good shepherd can always be recognized by the condition of his sheep. They will lack NOTHING! Jesus is our good shepherd. While we live for and trust him we know no want. Our needs are provided.

The sheep will be healthy.
The sheep will yield abundant fruit (wool)
The sheep will not "work" for their sustenance, all is provided by the shepherd.
"I shall not want" covers all needs, physical and spiritual

Psalm 34:9 “There is no want to them that fear him.”

No lack means exactly that, we will not lack anything we need. Contrarily, look at the following verse: The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (Psa 34:10 )

What is the young lion's favorite food? Sheep. The lion is going to go hungry, because the sheep shall not lack the protection of the shepherd.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

With the shepherd watching over the sheep, they are able to lie safe from all harm. The wide open pastures betray the presence of any predator that would harm them. The still cool waters are there for the sheep to drink of at will. Our great shepherd watches over us. The sheep of his pasture are able to lie still in the kingdom of God. Safe from the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy our soul. The pure waters of the Holy Ghost are there for us to drink of.

The green pastures represent not only a place of abundant food, but a place of safety as well.
Sheep are unable to drink from swift moving waters, the sound and turbulence frightens them.
The still waters are fresh, not stagnant and festering with contamination.

Eze 34:14-15

(14) I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

(15) I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

(v.3) A good shepherd is aware of the sheep's need for rest. At times it is necessary to move the sheep a great distance for pasture. He never pushes the sheep, he leads them. Jesus, the shepherd of our souls gives us the restoration we need to make the journey ahead. He never pushes, or goads us. Instead he gently leads us down the path we need to follow.

He restoreth my soul - literally, “He causes my life to return.” We get weary, tired, burnout.
He leads in a way that leads to righteousness, if we lead ourselves it leads to destruction.

(Isa 48:9 ) For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

(1Sa 12:22) For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

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.

(v.4) The Shepherd knows all the paths through the countryside where he keeps his flock. He knows the places where dangerous predators stalk their prey. The sheep are able to travel in safety because of the watchful eyes and ready defense of the Shepherd. For us, when we follow God’s leading, we need not be afraid of seemingly dark times or hardships. We can be confident that God is able to take care of anything that would try to destroy us.

We will go through dark times
(Mat 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The rod and the staff are used to guide the sheep, and to restrict the sheep's movement, we need to be careful about tearing down boundaries, lest we find ourselves alone in the valley.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

(v.5) In the green pastures where the sheep rest and are fed, the surrounding woods are often filled with hungry wolves. There are often poisonous snakes is the grass of the pasture. The shepherd makes sure that these enemies of the sheep are at a safe distance. The sheep can feed in peace, their heads covered with oil to protect them from irritating insects. Jesus is aware of every device of Satan. We are able to feast upon the good word of God, and be anointed with the Spirit of God. No evil spirit has the power to take that from us, unless we give it to them.

Every enemy that against our walk with God has no choice but to look at us feast on His blessings.
We are a vessel filled to overflowing:

(Joh 7:38) He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

(v.6) Jesus is ready to help us when we have problems in our walk with God. It is better if we follow his leading and stay away from those problems. It is all about TRUST. Trusting God with every facet of our lives knowing that he won’t lead us wrong. Feeding on the Word of God given to us so that we will have strength of spirit to be able to follow when he leads. Praying in order to know his voice so that we may hear him when he calls. Drinking from the waters of the Holy Ghost to quench our thirst and satisfy our souls, so that thirst of the soul doesn’t cause us to stray from the path in search of another well. Through faith we can be confident that we are dwelling in the house of the Lord. and that his goodness and mercy are always with us.

Psa 36:7-12

(7) How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

(8) They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

(9) For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

(10) O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

(11) Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

(12) There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Life Application Notes

1. Not lacking, or Wanting, as the scripture says it, takes action on our part. Spiritual needs are filled by God as we pray, fast and study the Word of God. Natural needs are met as we do what we can with what we have. God will provide for us, but if we sit back on the couch and wait for God to provide, we will probably lack.

2. God provides the Word of God for us to feast on, however it remains up to us to eat.

3. He will lead us down righteousness’ path, but righteousness will not come unless we follow.

4. God’s hedge of protection is around those that believe, and those that believe obey his commandments.

5. Fear will keep us from enjoying what God provides. Fear of the devil, fear of what others may think or do, or fear of our own selves. Where the anointing is, fear is not. FEAR NOT!

6. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide [dwell] in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” - John 15:10

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<h1>Psalm 23</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Steve-0.aspx'>Steve-0</a> Psalm 23

1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 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 for ever.

Food For Thought

The Twenty-third Psalm is probably one of the most well known portions of Scripture in the Bible. Many are they who have memorized it’s words and recite them during times of danger or stress. This Psalm is a poem of immense promise, a testimony from God to us about the loving kindness He has toward us. About the security and safety we have in this sheepfold called the Church. What faith, what power, what destiny lies in the simple words "The Lord is MY Shepherd.

This is a very personal passage of scripture, you can apply it to yourself and take it to the bank.

King David, the writer of this Psalm, spent his early years as a shepherd. These times taught him much more about leading people than the best schools of statecraft ever could have. They also taught him much about the relationship between God and his people. He wrote of a trust in God that had seen him through many treacherous times. We can have the same confidence in God that David had. God hasn’t changed, what he did for David, He’ll do for you.

Let’s take a verse-by verse look at some beautiful truths in this passage. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The sole function of a sheepherder is to care for the needs of the sheep. A good shepherd can always be recognized by the condition of his sheep. They will lack NOTHING! Jesus is our good shepherd. While we live for and trust him we know no want. Our needs are provided.
 
The sheep will be healthy.
The sheep will yield abundant fruit (wool)
The sheep will not "work" for their sustenance, all is provided by the shepherd.
"I shall not want" covers all needs, physical and spiritual

Psalm 34:9 “There is no want to them that fear him.”
 
No lack means exactly that, we will not lack anything we need. Contrarily, look at the following verse: The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. (Psa 34:10 )
 
What is the young lion's favorite food? Sheep. The lion is going to go hungry, because the sheep shall not lack the protection of the shepherd.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

With the shepherd watching over the sheep, they are able to lie safe from all harm. The wide open pastures betray the presence of any predator that would harm them. The still cool waters are there for the sheep to drink of at will. Our great shepherd watches over us. The sheep of his pasture are able to lie still in the kingdom of God. Safe from the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy our soul. The pure waters of the Holy Ghost are there for us to drink of.
 
The green pastures represent not only a place of abundant food, but a place of safety as well.
Sheep are unable to drink from swift moving waters, the sound and turbulence frightens them.
The still waters are fresh, not stagnant and festering with contamination.

Eze 34:14-15
 
(14) I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
 
(15) I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
 
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

(v.3) A good shepherd is aware of the sheep's need for rest. At times it is necessary to move the sheep a great distance for pasture. He never pushes the sheep, he leads them. Jesus, the shepherd of our souls gives us the restoration we need to make the journey ahead. He never pushes, or goads us. Instead he gently leads us down the path we need to follow.
 
He restoreth my soul - literally, “He causes my life to return.” We get weary, tired, burnout.
 He leads in a way that leads to righteousness, if we lead ourselves it leads to destruction.

(Isa 48:9 ) For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
 
(1Sa 12:22) For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
 
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.

(v.4) The Shepherd knows all the paths through the countryside where he keeps his flock. He knows the places where dangerous predators stalk their prey. The sheep are able to travel in safety because of the watchful eyes and ready defense of the Shepherd. For us, when we follow God’s leading, we need not be afraid of seemingly dark times or hardships. We can be confident that God is able to take care of anything that would try to destroy us.
 
We will go through dark times
 (Mat 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
 The rod and the staff are used to guide the sheep, and to restrict the sheep's movement, we need to be careful about tearing down boundaries, lest we find ourselves alone in the valley.
 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

(v.5) In the green pastures where the sheep rest and are fed, the surrounding woods are often filled with hungry wolves. There are often poisonous snakes is the grass of the pasture. The shepherd makes sure that these enemies of the sheep are at a safe distance. The sheep can feed in peace, their heads covered with oil to protect them from irritating insects. Jesus is aware of every device of Satan. We are able to feast upon the good word of God, and be anointed with the Spirit of God. No evil spirit has the power to take that from us, unless we give it to them.
 
Every enemy that against our walk with God has no choice but to look at us feast on His blessings.
 We are a vessel filled to overflowing:

(Joh 7:38) He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

(v.6) Jesus is ready to help us when we have problems in our walk with God. It is better if we follow his leading and stay away from those problems. It is all about TRUST. Trusting God with every facet of our lives knowing that he won’t lead us wrong. Feeding on the Word of God given to us so that we will have strength of spirit to be able to follow when he leads. Praying in order to know his voice so that we may hear him when he calls. Drinking from the waters of the Holy Ghost to quench our thirst and satisfy our souls, so that thirst of the soul doesn’t cause us to stray from the path in search of another well. Through faith we can be confident that we are dwelling in the house of the Lord. and that his goodness and mercy are always with us.

Psa 36:7-12

(7) How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
 
(8) They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
 
(9) For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
 
(10) O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
 
(11) Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
 
(12) There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
 
Life Application Notes
 
1. Not lacking, or Wanting, as the scripture says it, takes action on our part. Spiritual needs are filled by God as we pray, fast and study the Word of God. Natural needs are met as we do what we can with what we have. God will provide for us, but if we sit back on the couch and wait for God to provide, we will probably lack.
 
2. God provides the Word of God for us to feast on, however it remains up to us to eat.
 
3. He will lead us down righteousness’ path, but righteousness will not come unless we follow.
 
4. God’s hedge of protection is around those that believe, and those that believe obey his commandments.
 
5. Fear will keep us from enjoying what God provides. Fear of the devil, fear of what others may think or do, or fear of our own selves. Where the anointing is, fear is not. FEAR NOT!
 
6. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide [dwell] in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” - John 15:10

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Author Resource :
Psalm 23, Wikipedia, King James Bible

Keywords : death, Lord, shepherd, want, shall, table, oil, life, days, enemies, evil, dwell, house, forever, follow, sheep, restore, soul, staff, comfort, f,

Category : Society : Religion

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