psalm 23 explained beautifully
When the apostle Paul stood before Nero, he was not alone. But the loving shepherd will leave the fold to find even one lost sheep. "Lessons From Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd." We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our. (2021, September 7). It is a calming assurance that comes with choosing to abide daily in Gods presence. So, friend, do not worry about the future. He restored my soul = Thats Healing! A shepherd cares deeply not only for all his sheep as a whole but also for each and every single one. (LogOut/ The writer paints an enticing picture of who God is to him and uses metaphor to relate his experiences while walking with God. 1 Peter 4:10 ESV - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV - Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The sheep often goes where the shepherd leads. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. ", and Bible resources, we can enjoy it so much. For Thou art with me = Thats Faithfulness! Im passing them along in the hopes they will challenge you, too. According to Psalm 139, God's omniscience knows all about us (verses 1-6). He renews my strength. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = . "Do not say it is yet four months and then comes the Harvest, for it [the harvest of souls] is now ripe" (John 4:35). Praying will help you as well. # Walk in LoveWalk by Faith..Live by the Word..#. So, even when we walk through the valleys of life and death is staring us in the face, we are not afraid knowing that God is with us and will shield and protect us from danger and evil. In ancient times, hospitality involved more than merely providing a meal for guests. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are . There will always be valley experience which can and will be restored. He also knew that God would care for him just like a shepherd will care for his sheep. It is about knowing and embracing the shepherd whom David spoke about. As I read the article, I, "I truly love reading this prayer, and been given insight on what it means. Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. They gather around the Lord's table here in this world and in the one to come. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I have a friend who is an unbeliever. Let us now explore Psalm 23 line by line and phrase by phrase: The Lord is my shepherd. Praise You Jesus Amen. Beautiful explanation of psalm 23, thank you! 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! It emphasizes the Lords personal care, guidance, and protection of his people. If you are going through a season of sin, discouragement, or despair in your life right now, ask yourself, Am I walking or camping?. Without a shepherd to protect and guide them, sheep are easy targets for predators. I have been blessed this morning. The overflowing cup symbolizes Gods open-hearted generosity. Be encouraged today my friends of faith!Today's amaz. 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 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Whatever it brings, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). David said God prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. Sometimes we stray from the Lord, too. When the three young men of Babylon found themselves in the fire for conscience's sake, the form of the Fourth walked with them in the flames. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/psalm-23-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-700375. We see this come to play as he stood before Goliath. Sorry. It is a psalm that heals, delivers, comforts, and set free. 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. 1. Psalms 23:1-6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (vv. This speaks of blessings and abundance that are visible for all to see. In this psalm, we see a beautiful portrait of God as our good and faithful Shepherd Who leads us by still waters and guides us into the way of peace. When we go through difficult times, we dont need to be afraid because we know that our Shepherd is with us in the midst of it. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. But God heals the troubled soul when He forgives our sins. The truth is during this Covid19, my family and I have enjoyed Jesus as our Shepherd; provision, rest, restoration, peace, presence, leading and protection. David knew that God would restore his soul from a broken and weary state. Research source So He began to teach them many things. Obviously, shepherd-less sheep are not a good thing; likewise, we need Jesus to be our Shepherd. In the darkest and most trying hour, God is near. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus says: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? Praise the Lord for his love for us.He is a good sherperd who always take care of his sheep.Thank you Lord for your mercy for us the sinners. Only a shepherd could write Psalm 23, and David was a shepherd. The meaning of Psalm 23 is personal because we each have a personal relationship with God.. Start a meditation on Psalm 23 today and make it part of your worship to God during your quiet time. Download this 11-page ebook on the seven keys to the Lords Prayer by entering your email address below. Its the same with us: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = Thats Rest! Learn more about the meaning and significance of this well-known phrase from Psalms 23. It is memorized and repeated in all lands. The woman in the gospel story poured the box of precious ointment upon the head of our Lord, (Matthew 26:6-7) a custom which the host who had invited Him had shamefully neglected. This means that no matter how things may look, I will rest in this truth I will lack nothing and all my needs will be met because God will provide what I need when I need it. This makes you know that you are not alone, even when you dont feel like it. And all enemies will be gone forever. As an added bonus, you will feel your spirit lift as you write. Fairchild, Mary. Thank you, a plain and simple translation of our Faithful and Loving Shepherd. meaning it was his reality and he rested in this truth Gods goodness and mercy were following him through his lifes journey on earth. It is the universal Psalm, the chief Psalm, the pearl of Psalms. Then you can repeat the 23rd Psalm and know that it is yoursit was written for you. The opening of Psalm 23 beautifully shows what we can gain from surrendering and allowing God to lead our lives. He makes me lie down in green pastures . God wants you to trust him at all times in all seasons of life while resting in the assurance that he is always with you. With God as our shepherd, there is nothing we will ever lack. It is a psalm of life, rest, and peace. God wants an intimate relationship with his children. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 3. Then we shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever., God Help Me: Find help in every time of need. Yea, though I walk: through the valley of the shadow of death, 6. Thank you. He will lead us down a path of righteousness and not destruction. Even when faced with death, we dont need to be afraid. Psalm 23 (New Living Translation) A Psalm of David. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. 6. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. "For His namesake" -- That gives a higher purpose for life! Even on your worst day, you will see Gods blessings overflowing in your life if you look for them. "My cup runneth over" -- That's His abundance flowing to you and out to others! Let us meditate on the words, Thou preparest a table before me. The Lord prepares it; it is His. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells David's relationship with God as his shepherd. The shepherds rod and staff were used to guide and protect the sheep and lead them away from potential predators. It simply fortifies our divine connection with our Lord. His blessings span the years. Why do I still feel guilty about my past sins? He restored my soul = That's Healing! Are you that open to that kind of new life (following the Shepherd)? Remember: the Lord's grace is sufficient -- as you follow Him and Glorify God (Christianity) in your life. God's goodness means that they have nothing to fear: whatever happens to them, God will be with them. But the Lord walks with us through seasons of darkness and despair. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Jesus is called the good shepherd and we as his children are the sheep of his pasture. David expresses confidence and trust in the Lord by portraying God as a good "Shepherd" who both guides and blesses them. I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU!!! (see John 10:11). Our faith in God must not be only when the times are good. Arent you afraid, darling? the father asked. Even in the bleakest, blackest times of life, we dont have to fear harm because our God is with us. This beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before us, in its chief figure, that of a shepherd, the gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God's people, who, as a shepherd, both rules and feeds them. As I read this again, I realized that if God is our Shepherd, that means means we give Him control of our life. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Used with permission. The meaning of Psalm 23 starts with a beautiful picture of joy, peace, rest, and abundance. ", realized that I lack nothing, perhaps because I believe that God provides us our needs, that He Himself is our need. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. And now the Shepherd leads on, not only beside the still waters of rest and the righteous paths of service, but through trouble and sorrow. He leads me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Is your relationship with God intimate enough for you to boldly call him your Shepherd? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,942 times. Image courtesy:Thinkstock/pamela_d_mcadams, 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Ways Anxiety Dominates the Christian Mind. Shepherds often risked their own lives to rescue their sheep. All believers can say, "We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). Let us look at this beautiful chapter in the Bible, Psalm 23 meaning and significance. Here is the picture of that blessed state in Revelation 7:16-17, They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. ", Jesus told his disciples to come on and "follow me" now. "This article gave me a boost to wait on the shepherd, because he is the one who takes care of all my need and, "Because we read it in old King James version decades ago ,it was a bit difficult to grasp, but with modern English, "I was searching for something and it was not an accident to click wikiHow. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 1. In spiritual communion with Him, the hungry heart finds food that satisfies. Verse 1. He is the One Who upholds and protects, Who blesses and comforts, Who bountifully provides good things for us in the presence of our enemies. So true..what a beautiful promise that Jesus gave us..He is our Shepherd, we dont have to fear anything for He is with us.Even though we go through the valley of death. 13). And that is why, he will lead you beside still waters to give peace and comfort amid lifes chaos. With this assurance comes faith to declare boldly your identity in God. That is, God leads us into work, into service for Him. I dont know the real author. David ends this rich Psalm with a picture of Gods grace, presence, and favor following him all the days of his life. The child didnt cry or resist. All rights reserved. Sheep are pretty helpless animals, unable to defend themselves. There is much more you can draw from this beautiful Psalm. David portrays God as a loving shepherd, a role the psalmist would have been deeply familiar with, as much of his boyhood was spent caring for his fathers sheep. The next time we sit at the table of the Lord, let us brush aside any thought that it is the table of the church. God can be a guide, comforter, helper, and friend to you today. The Shepherd supplies all our needs in the presence of our enemies. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Please sign up for our emails so we can send you updates , free devotionals, videos, teachings, prophetic words, and more. This speaks of increase and being a blessing because you have more than enough. He declares. What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? It is about making a choice to cultivate intimacy with God. Our soul is comprised of our mind, will, and emotions. David knew this because he had come to see God as a personal shepherd to him. It paints a beautiful picture of serenity, peace, and the security that comes with trusting in God. Mary is a minister's wife, mom of two boys, and former missionary to Scotland. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? But then, he quickly switches to phrases like, Hebrews Chapter 4 A Rest Remains for Gods People. A forward mail. The Lord is my Shepherd A Powerful Declaration of Faith, The Lord is my Shepherd An Assurance of My God-Given Identity, The Lord is my Shepherd Provider, Sustainer, and Guide, The Lord is my Shepherd Shield and Protector. We don't have to worry or feel alone because He is with us at all times. It's as Isaiah has said: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" ( Isaiah 53:6 ). He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. The closing verse shows that the blessings mentioned are spiritual. This is a beautiful picture to share with him. 23rd Psalm - The Lord is my shepherd (KJV) Psalm 23:1-6 1. Submit your request and our prayer team will pray for you. It is in Gods presence that we grow, change, and are transformed forever. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake (vv. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, 4. No one can rest in mind and heart until the weight of a guilty conscience is removed. The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship! 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. Psalm 23 explained beautifully gives a picture of an intimate relationship with a heavenly father who knows and cares about you. Before David became king of Israel, he was a shepherd. Praise the Lord I want to thank God for his love .He is a good sherpard to all of us who are sinners. Verse 7b says, He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. God the Father sent His Son Jesus to become the final blood sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. As the apostle Paul puts it, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). (LogOut/ I will fear no evil = Thats Protection! I shall not want = That's Supply! 1 Peter 2:25 ESV - For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. This article received 13 testimonials and 97% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The sheep rests in the assurance that his shepherd is always watching and looking out for it. The fact that all the Ten Commandmentsnot five or eight of themare repeated in principle in the New Testament and are taught by both Christ and the apostles, sustains the Word of the Psalmist. Have you ever wondered about the Psalm 23 meaning or wanted to hear Psalm 23 explained beautifully? He leads me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment! When we do, look at what there is to gain! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. They know his voice and follow him. God knows how to give his children the rest they need to calm their fears and anxiety. And by these blessings to which the great Shepherd leads us, we find our souls restored, the natural life invigorated, the spiritual life reborn. Each verse contains a promise of blessing that David had experienced and that we can share in, too . Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? The writer paints an enticing picture of who God is to him and uses metaphor to relate his experiences while walking with God. God bless you. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. i. This article has been viewed 191,942 times. The restored soul is then led on to another stage in God's plan for his lifeHe leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3). Can you trust him to shepherd you through life? And then goes on to describe God as a guide, provider, sustainer, and protector. God is our Shepherd and like a Good Shepherd, He will provide for His own for every need we will ever have (Philippians 4:19). About Mary. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, This Psalm happens to be one of the most memorized and remains an all-time favorite chapter of the Bible. indeed! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = Thats Hope! But even there, the Shepherd is with us and we need fear no evil. forever. These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story Study Guide, The Ultimate List of Christmas Bible Verses to Celebrate Jesus' Birth, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord" -- That's home and security in the Lord's provision/Heaven! God is right by your side walking you through life. It is a Psalm that paints a beautiful picture of life and how God leads us through our journey if we can learn to walk closely with him. In the last two verses of the 23rd Psalm we read: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Psalms 23:1-6. His gift to us is eternal life, and we will be with him forever. Psalm 23 explained beautifully - title photo. 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 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" -- That's God's protection against the enemies! They carried a rod and staff to protect and correct their sheep; they beat off any beast trying to attack, and they prodded sheep who were going the wrong way to steer them back to safety. When verses and chapters become familiar, we tend to not pay close attention to them. We have need of nothing because our Shepherd provides everything. If you pray for help, that could be like an "intervention": be ready for possible interference in your plans that either are or are not in His will. 25 Bible Verses for Funerals and Sympathy Cards, 23 Bible Verses to Help You Manage Stress. To God be the Glory! This Psalm happens to be one of the most memorized and remains an all-time favorite chapter of the Bible. oil--anointing oil, the symbol of gladness. Thank God for the Good Shepherd who became the perfect, sacrificial Lamb of God, removing our sin, guilt, and shame and making us right with our Heavenly Father! When God calls, will you answer? I shall not want = Thats Supply! The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He leads me beside still waters. they comfort me (v. 4). Approved. So the sheep in this beautiful Psalm, the flock of the Lord, are those who follow Him. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We love you, and we want to build relationship with you. . Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = Thats God bless you :). 5, 6. And for the sake of His name and His glory, He guides our wills to line up with His. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. King David boldly declares who God is to him as he speaks of his relationship with God borne out of personal knowledge and his experiences with God using a shepherd and his sheep. Your cup overflows with blessings and abundance from God. Prone to wander. That the good Shepherd protects us and saves us by diying on the cross. one of your favorite Psalms? "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. They challenged me. Our Shepherd also leads us in the right way. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.". Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = Thats Discipline! Come, join the TBTG Family. Ufuoma Fijabi writes on her blog where she shares God-inspired articles that focus on motherhood, faith, hope, and spirituality. Thats the ultimate blessing! The Lord is my Shepherd = Thats Relationship! These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; In Psalm 23 David also portrays the Lord as a gracious host. Thank you! We realize God governs both the large and small issues of life. Jesus was the Shepherd who became a sheep. How to Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart, How to Grow Spiritually When You Dont Feel Close to God, Trusting God 5 Ways You Try But Fail (+ how to fix it), Another interpretation of Psalm 23 can be found here, , For creating deeper intimacy with Jesus, read my guide on. Imagine you are invited to a magnificent banquet with a huge table filled with all kinds of food and drinks to feast on. Are you a child of God? Psalm 23:4 Even though Iwalk through the valley ofthe shadow of death, I willfear no evil, foryou are with me, yourrod, and your staff, they comfort me. | Day 3 When Enemies Surround You | Day 4 Trust God And Attract Blessings In Your Life | Day 5 Check out more free printable Bible verses. The Lord promises to lead us in paths of righteousness, in keeping with everything his name represents: holiness, love, faithfulness, wisdom, and more. We dont have to worry about what others say or think about us because we know that God has our backs and that serving Him is never for nothing. I got this from an email. We were orphanswe did not belong to God's flock, but through the death of His Lamb, we are clothed in the robe of His righteousness and are able to enter the true fold. In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want . The LORD is my shepherd: David thought about God, the God of Israel; as he thought about his relationship with God, he made the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep. Psalm 23 is a psalm of King David expressing confidence and trust in the Lord. The prophet Samuel anointed him king, but it would be another decade or more before David was recognized by Israel. Let us look at this beautiful chapter in the Bible. On the contrary, His death for the sheep makes it forever sure. For the more we know him, the more we become confident of his love, grace, and blessings. "Have faith in GOD!" Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)A Psalm of David.The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.He lets me rest in green meadows;He leads me beside peaceful streams.He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" -- That's splendid contentment -- plenty of rest! It is a Psalm that speaks about seasons in our lifes journey and what matters in those seasons. But here's what we need to understand: we can't see God as Shepherd if we don't see ourselves as sheep. That means we can choose to let God lead our lives. We are not justified by works, but for works. Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 the First Week of Lent. The Lord is the Shepherd of His people and they are His sheep; so David said, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want., In eastern lands, the shepherd goes before his flockhe leads them. Convicting, huh? And they are three: rest, work, and sorrow. 5 Lessons I Learned From Psalm 23 How To Rest Your Mind From Worrying | Day 1 God Wants To Restore You | Day 2 Feeling Lost And Confused? She currently lives in Lagos, Nigeria with her family. He makes me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest! "The Lord is my Shepherd" -- That involves a one-on-one relationship, as an individual -- not just a number in a flock!
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