Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Recite the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture. 1. This Psalm of David is the most well-known of them all. The “shepherd” in ancient near eastern usage meant lord, leader, or king. David knows who his king/lord/leader is so then he will never be in want for anything else. 2. David’s Lord meets his needs and brings him peace. 3. David’s soul, nephesh in Hebrew, his LORD continually restores his life and vitality, he does not lapse into fear and insecurity. 4. And for “his name’s sake” David is rightly directed. Thus, David lives to honor his holy God. 5. David knows he will “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” yet he will not walk alone. Yes, he will face death, that deep darkness, as we all will, but he knows he is safe in his LORD and so will not fear even that which is evil. 6. Like the shepherd David was, God protects and comforts him. 7. And like a gracious host, which is the second image employed in the Psalm, the first being that of a shepherd, David’s LORD even protects him with his enemies close at hand and present. This host lavishly anoints David’s head and provides more than all he needs. 8. Despite what trauma and drama David will see in his future, yet due to God’s everlasting covenant relationship with him, he will continue to know the deep grace and mercy, which will be his throughout his life. 9. And even more than God’s presence with him in this life, when life is over, he will yet dwell, and forever, in the place where his LORD eternally dwells.
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