INSIGHTS FROM PSALM 23

A LINE-BY-LINE ANALYSIS

The Lord is my Shepherd [Who purchased me at a very high price – the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son. And as a Shepherd, He is the One responsible for my feeding, guidance, protection and general well being. Since, as a sheep, I know nothing of myself, nor can take any independent action on my own, outside of my Shepherd, that will do me much good (Psalm 95:7, 100:3)];

I shall not want [Because my Shepherd, Who is the Owner of all wealth and abundance, ‘supplies all my needs, as they arise from time to time, according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:13)].

He makes me to lie down in green pastures [He locates and establishes me in fresh, tender and conducive environment- in my house, my business, my church, my ministry, and my world in general);

He leads me beside the still waters [He gives me restful means of sustenance that are without stress, pain or any trouble to draw from].

He restores my soul [He renews and refreshes my spirit, soul and body with all the good things they need for health and maximum performance).

He leads me in the paths of righteousness [(Psalm 78:52) So that I do not stray from the right course in my exuberance and ignorance, not because I merit it, but]

For His name’s sake [Because He has the reputation of being The Good Shepherd, who can never abscond His responsibilities or change His nature from good to bad (John 14:1). That is the reason I am assured that I am in good hand and that…]

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death [Even when I find myself in dangerous or life-threatening situations that portend evil or great calamity] I will fear no evil [Why?]

For You are with me [Since I am not leading myself anyway, but I am a protégé of The Good Shepherd].

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me [Instead of bludgeoning and intimidating me, even when I get presumptuous and behave wrongly, as I tend to do from time to time, You only use Your shepherd’s rod to gently guide me back to the right course, without any mark of harm or injury on my body].

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies [Without them being able to do anything to stop me from enjoying the delicacies. Why? Because you are right there standing watch over me to ensure that I’m safe. While my enemies were only confined to a distance, glaring at me morosely without their being able to do anything to harm me. And they dare not move near otherwise they will have to contend with You, the Mighty Man in battle].

You anoint my head with oil [Of gladness and ability to do all that you have reared me to do],

My cup runs over [Because you simply did not stop pouring on me until I am overflowed by the abundance of your goodness].

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me [Not sorrow, not sadness, not gloom, not mourning, not fear, not evil, not grief, not poverty, not frustration, not failure, nor pain, but the goodness and the mercy of the LORD shall be my experience]

All the days of my life [All the Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays that I live!],

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord [Since that is where He will always lead me to for resort. For He will never leave me in the house of a stranger. Therefore, I am certain of always being in His pleasurable presence during the day (Psalm 16:11) and the secret place of His fortress, which is my dwelling place, in the night (Psalm 31:20)]

Forever [And ever. That is as long as I am here on earth, and even when I transit to heaven above. Amen].

I hope you find this helpful.