The psalms are poems of songs and prayers that reveal God and his ways to us so that we can know him and live in right relationship with him. David wrote the 23rd psalm out of his experience as a shepherd and how the Lord is a shepherd to his people.
The trilogy of Psalms 22, 23, 24, relate to Jesus as the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep (Ps. 22), the great shepherd who equips and empowers us to do his will Heb. 13:20, 21 (Ps. 23), and the chief shepherd who will return in glory to reward his faithful 1 Pet. 5:4 (Ps. 24).
Ps. 23:1a Every blessing in this psalm is available to us if the Lord is our shepherd.
Jn. 10:7, 10, 11, 24-28 The first step in following Jesus is to believe God’s word in our hearts that Jesus is the only sinless, crucified, and resurrected Messiah and Lord. Jesus brings us into his flock and gives us eternal life.
Yahweh or Jehovah, is his covenant name, “I AM.”
How is the Lord our shepherd/source? The Lord is my:
I. Provider Ps. 23:1; Gen. 22:13, 14; Mt. 6:31-33
I shall not lack. The Lord knows what we need and he is our ultimate source and provider. All that we need to do God’s will is found in him and through him (spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, physical, financial needs).
II. Peace Ps. 23:2; Jud. 6:20-24; Jn. 14:27
The word for still is translated rest, the waters of a resting place. To lie down and rest give a picture of peace “an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss.” TPT
The Lord offers his shalom, wholeness, and wellness to us through close fellowship in his presence. He is the only source of true peace in this life.
III. Healer Ps. 23:3; Ex. 15:24-27; Mt. 8:16, 17
The Lord restores my soul, my life. He raises the spiritually dead. He heals wounded spirits, broken hearts, and diseased and broken bodies. Jesus purchased ultimate healing and eternal, glorified bodies for us by his cross.
Inner healing and wellness promote physical wellness.
IV. Righteousness Ps. 23:3, 4; Jer. 23:5, 6; 2 Cor. 5:21
Righteousness is being in right relationship with God, and because we are in right relationship with him, we seek to live by his word. We have no acceptable righteousness before a holy God other than his righteousness that he gives us through faith in his Son. The Lord is with us to lead us by his Spirit in right paths, even when those paths are through dark valleys, for his purpose and glory.
Are we following his leading?
V. Victory Ps. 23:5, 6; Ex. 17:13-15; 1 Cor. 15:57
The Lord is a welcoming, gracious host. He sets a table of fellowship and favor for us where we receive strength in the face of our enemies. We follow Jesus, and his goodness and faithful love follow us.
No doubt, no end.
Is Jesus your Lord, your source?
Which of these five truths do you most need today?
Will you invest some time with the Lord in fellowship to live by that truth?