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Welcome to Monday Morning Grace. In this post we will examine Psalm 23.

What if you had everything you needed and a caretaker that would make sure you were always provided for, safe, and at rest?

“The Lord is my shepherd.”

Such simple words, so simple in fact that we often overlook the full impact of this proclamation. Psalm 23, most of us have committed it to memory—or some of it. It is often read at life celebrations; in fact we have heard it so much we quit listening or hearing the precious promises given to us by our Shepherd.

Isaiah 40:11

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

Five words, can they really change anything?

Jesus said in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Our savior is identifying himself as our Shepherd. Psalm 23 gives us a picture of Jesus that is easy to miss.

This psalm has no title. What title do you think would fit? David, when he wrote it, and later Ezra, who put The Book of Psalms together, seem to have felt there was no need for a title; the prose speaks for itself. “The Lord is my shepherd.”

Those five words resonate in our hearts when we are lonely, frightened, struggling with hope and faith—“The Lord is my shepherd.” Can you imagine a young David playing his harp, composing these words, and singing them all alone. Surrounding him were sheep, little lambs, mama sheep, and rams—all chomping away on the grass without a care in the world—trusting their shepherd.

Perhaps he stood and danced (we know he loved to dance—2 Samuel 6:14-15 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.” Or perhaps he just leaned quietly against a rock and sang to his hearts content.

Spurgeon, with all of his literary elegance, states of Psalm 23, “its sweetness and its spirituality are unsurpassed.” Many commentators have written about Psalms 23–the character of sheep, the symbolism of the water and cool pastures. But today I want us to simply consider the message, what David was singing about, what God was communicating to us through David’s heart.

When David said, “The Lord is my shepherd,” he became a sheep. He put himself in the place of a weak creature who could do little to care for itself. Sheep are not great at defending themselves against predators and wander around, head down grazing on whatever they find.

David placed himself in the loving care of his Father, God. “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” In plain English—I will have all I need, I will not struggle for anything. No need to worry about where you will sleep, or if the lions will eat you. It’s all taken care of by your shepherd whose delight is in caring for you.

God is your place of rest and refreshing.

When you are tired and need rest, your shepherd will see you have a cool green pasture to rest in. When you move, walking through your daily life, He will lead you by still waters—places of peace and refreshing. IF! If you can (as David did) say, “The Lord IS my shepherd.”

The next phrase in the psalm is one that calls out to most of us at one time or another. “He restores my soul.” Do you ever feel soul tired? Do you ever feel that your heart cannot take one more step? Sometimes even in good times we grow weary, weary of what must be around the bend for us.

God restores my soul.

God is not distant; He is aware of our human frailties. He knows our weaknesses and He delights in our willingness to let Him be our source. As Spurgeon suggests, “When the soul grows sorrowful he revives it; when it is sinful he sanctifies it; when it is weak he strengthens it; HE does it!”

We don’t conjure up restoration for our soul through our own strength, God brings these things to us through the work of the Holy Spirit and the cooling water of His word. God restores us. It is His labor of love, the work of the Good Shepherd. So, when we are soul weary, we just need to lean into our Good Shepherd and let Him comfort and restore us.

The Valley of the Shadow of Death.

The next phrase has garnered much theological examination and much of it is quite informative. But, today let’s consider it for just what it says. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” This can certainly be applied to that moment we all come to, when we walk from this life into the next. We need not fear death.

However, we also walk through this world which at times feels so dark and dangerous. In every generation—including ours—the presence of evil and those who hate the followers of God can seem overwhelming. We as Christians must walk through this world.

Into the Fire  

We at times may be required to make a choice to stand for our faith. In our jobs, relationships, in everyday life, the demand to bow to the world or stand for Christ may put us into a "valley of the shadow of death" or a “fiery furnace” moment; like it did with Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego (See Daniel 3).

Like the three Hebrew boys we may need to make a choice. How will you respond? Will you respond with confidence in your Shepherd?

Honored by God.  

“Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Now there is a picture that our modern minds cannot relate to with any great anticipation, oil running off your nicely styled hair and spilled drink on your nice white tablecloth.

But in David's defense, the picture here is much clearer if we consider some of the symbolism from the culture of the time.

In David’s time, it would have been customary to anoint the head of a dinner guest as a sign of honor. This was done only to the most preferred guests. So, David is making the point that God sees him as an honored guest at the table.

The cup that runs over has more than enough supply. David is making the point, that God does not just give us the bare minimum for survival He provides abundance, an ample supply.

This one thing we can know, just as they did, God is with us, always with us. I believe that more than we know, God protects us from "fiery furnaces" and we are often unaware of His protection. Sometimes we "walk through the valley" or are thrown into the "fiery furnace," and God delivers us out of the flame. In this case, He did not deliver them from going into the furnace—He simply joined them there and protected them, and joyfully walked in the fire while the enemy watched.

If you read the entire passage in Daniel 3 you will see that they were delivered unsinged from the flame. They had the joyful experience of walking with Jesus in that fire. Can you imagine what that would have been like. Jumping out of that furnace, over the dead bodies of the guards who died because of the heat of the flame.

Daniel 3:28-29 “Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

Most Bible scholars believe it was Jesus in that fire with them. In Daniel 3:25 Nebuchadnezzar identifies the fourth man in the fire as "the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

I do not know about you, but I think I would be doing a happy dance! Not only did the experience impact the three Hebrew boys--it impacted a King, a nation. We know from the story of Nebuchadnezzar that later in his life he proclaimed faith in God.

I will fear no evil.

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” note it does not say that God forces us to this or that He “wills” for us to face struggle. It is the reality of our human existence that we will face struggle.

Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

We do not have to fear this world, evil, anything, because our Good Shepherd is right here with us. Remember who He is—He is God, He is able, and He is willing. We need not fear! And like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego we will come through the flame without the smell of smoke on our clothes or the hair of our head singed.

A banqueting table for all to see!

Here is a verse to keep in mind when thinking about the next phrase in Psalm 23, “… know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4) In light of this, the next phrase becomes even more meaningful.

“He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” As nice as you may be, there is a high likelihood that you have enemies. In fact, if you do not, that could be a serious concern. If you are a Christian, you have an enemy who goes about seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

When we serve God openly without shame or reluctance, those who are not Christians might—most likely will—be offended. Yet, here we are promised that God will prepare a table in the presence of our enemies. God is openly going to favor us so that our enemies have no choice but to see the favor of God resting on us.

Honored Guest at the Marriage Supper

When we put that with verse six “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” we see that David is not just a guest at God’s dinner table—he will be a permanent resident of God’s house.

To take this into our hope as Christians, “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9) That is us! We too will be honored at the greatest feast of the ages. Can you imagine Satan’s angst when he witnesses the honor bestowed on us by Jesus at this wonderful occasion?

Joy, beyond measure.

Another aspect of anointing the head and my cup runneth over has, to do with the association these symbols have with joy. In Isaiah 61:3 it says, “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

We have been set above the crowd and anointed with the oil of joy. This verse is also speaking to the restoration of our hearts through God’s careful attention to us. When combined with an overflowing cup, the symbolism of joy becomes complete.

An overflowing cup cannot contain the fullness of its contents. In John 15:11 Jesus tells His disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you, that MY joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” In other translations “full” is rendered “overflowing.”

That kind of love!

Here we are the children of God—sheep of His pasture—being honored in full view of our enemies, not just allowed to attend the feast, but as honored guests laughing with a joy that cannot be contained. I don’t know about you, but I could use that kind of joy—that kind of acceptance—that kind of love.

Goodness and Mercy

And finally, the promise that demands our attention—our response, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all of the days of my life.” Note it does not say most days, or just Wednesday and Sunday. No, ALL!!! Matthew Henry suggests “it shall follow into all places and all conditions . . . it shall follow me all of my life long, even to the last.”

God’s mercy and goodness will not wane, will not fail, will not take vacation—it will be present in a tangible way to those who are His sheep. Spurgeon looks at this from a rather compelling perspective, “These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and at my beck.”

Can you feel them over your shoulder—goodness and mercy personified—watching over you? That is a picture we need to have in our hearts and minds. God is not slack and if His word says “Goodness and Mercy will follow me” then that is what He means.

In this little psalm with only six verses David recounts the truth of God—He is present providing, protecting, honoring, anointing, and bringing goodness and mercy to us—all the days of our lives.

Do you believe God’s word is true—for you? Do you believe God loves you? Your belief will impact the way you live your life—the witness you have to a hurting world. But, your belief will not change the truth. What David wrote in this psalm is true for you, but you must take it and walk in it or it will not be a benefit to you.

The Lord is My Shepherd. I shall not want.

What if we just believe the promises in this psalm are true? We could love selflessly—because God is honoring us. We would be bold in the face of adversity—because God is preparing the table. We could rest, be refreshed, laugh with abandon, experience soul joy—deep overflowing abounding joy. When we fail, mercy is present—when we are in need the goodness of God provides.

I want that! I want to walk in the fullness of what God has for me. Jesus paid a high price for my salvation and I desire to bring Him glory by taking full advantage of all He died for.

Encouraging Resources

Today I have two resources I would like to share with you. The first is a music video of Phil Wickham singing Psalm 23.

The second is the trailer for a film produced by Charis Bible College. It is about the life of a young David. It is a bit fanciful, but it is a very fun depiction of what David might have experienced. It is a great film for the family.

David the Shepherd Warrior

Now the fun part. Re-read Psalm 23, think about the information we have covered, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to quicken God’s word to you, and then write your Psalm for Today. I cannot wait to see how you put into words the wonderful promises in this Psalm. I am including mine below. Blessings, and may you never doubt the active presence of your Savior and Shepherd.

Dear Father,

Thank you for your word. What a blessing to be able to read these letters written to us. Love letters, that encourage us and assure us that we are valued by you. It is so easy in this busy life to forget your ever attentive presence, the sweet care you take of us. As we go through the coming days Lord, remind us to take advantage of the cool places of rest, the quite still, refreshing waters, and the magnificent bounty you have prepared for us. Amen

What is the plan?

God’s Word is inspired, nothing is wasted. The structure of each book, the placement of each chapter is intentional. It is no surprise to find that pattern in The Book of Psalms. Today we examined our relationship with our Savior, the Good Shepherd. For our next conversation we will be taking a look at Psalm 22 (the suffering servant) and Psalm 24 (the victorious king).

Sandwiched between these two psalms the author of this book has provided a revelation of the messiah. Jesus came the first time as the suffering servant, who died for our sin, but He will return the King of All! Lest we lose the wonder of this magnificent adventure, it is important to keep this in mind.

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Cherri’s Psalm for Today: Based on Psalm 23

Jesus is my Good Shepherd; I will have no lack. He provides restful peace for me in cool places. He leads me along the path of peace and calm. My Good Shepherd repairs and restores my weary soul and shows me the way of righteousness for my blessing and protection. Because I am His name’s sake I walk in these paths for His glory.

Even if I walk through difficult valleys, frightening dark places, I will fear no evil. My Jesus is with me, and He is my comfort and my defense. My Good Shepherd makes sure I have ample supply and demonstrates His bounty in my behalf so that my enemies will see it and know I am His. He honors me and has anointed me to walk in His paths for me.

His supply is more than enough, and the bounty of His blessings flows out of my life and onto those around me. I can trust that His goodness and His mercy will follow me and that they are actively engaged in everything that concerns me. All my life this confidence is mine, and I will dwell in the house of my Savior forever.

Disclaimer: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) My goal is to honor the word of God and the personalization of scripture is in no way meant to replace or change the word of God. God’s word has power, and it should always be the goal of His children to use scripture as it is written.

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Sources: The following sources have been used in the creation of this blog.

Latta, Bill. (2015). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Revised and Expanded ed. Nashville TN: Holman Reference.

Water, M., Spurgeon, C., Calvin, J., & Henry, M. (2005). Parallel classic commentary on the psalms: Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, Matthew Henry. AMG Publishers.

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