Psalm 23 [part one]

"The LORD is my Shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:1-2

We have become so used to hearing this Psalm, especially at funerals. We can often become complacent and forget that it is one of the most beloved Psalms in the Bible. This Psalm has comforted and encouraged countless people over the centuries and lately, it's a Psalm that sits heavily on my heart. It unveils a beautiful picture of how God wants to guide us and bless us throughout our lives.

Over the next few weeks, we will look at this Psalm and it's meaning more closely. This week we will focus on verses 1-2:

"The LORD is my Shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters."

The picture of the divine Shepherd leading His flock fills the first few verses. A shepherd is a steward of their flock and faithfully directs, nurtures and protects. Jesus wants to lead and guide us as our good Shepherd. He is the good Shepherd that lays down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11-17)

We give our lives to Jesus because He laid down His life for us. We love Him, because He loves us first. He tends to us as a good Shepherd would. He searches for us and seeks us out when we have gone astray. He gathers us in His arms, He carries us close to His heart, He guides us to living water and quenches our thirst.

When the LORD is our Shepherd, we can confidently say we have everything we need.

David said he lacked nothing.

What did he mean when he said he lacked nothing?

He meant that God had already provided so much in his life. Blessings, grace, beauty and hope. All the things he needed deep down, he has been given and had found in His relationship with God. He simply trusted God had given him everything he needed. David was content.

Every good thing in our lives have come down from our Heavenly Father. He blesses all the earth, even those who do not know Him, but when we truly seek Him, we will find we lack nothing.

Have you ever thought about where God wants to lead you in your life?

Maybe you have prayed for His direction and longed for His wisdom?

God has a purpose for our lives, to bring Him glory, and make a difference in the world. But Psalm 23 also makes it clear to us that God is intent on leading us to a place of rest. The Psalmist puts rest and refreshment first because this is the way God deals with us so often.

When was the last time you let God lead you to "green pastures" and beside "still waters"?

Many of us have felt like we are aimlessly on this journey without direction or purpose, in a barren land of emptiness. Too often we live under the constant oppression of comparison, guilt and shame. Those moments foster unhealthy emotions and thoughts of potential spiritual starvation.

What if we let it all go?

"Lying down in green pastures" makes us visualise miles and miles of fertile farmland. Those "green pastures" help us to experience the feelings of rest, safety, promise and peace. They represent a reason to keep persevering through struggles.

So let's surrender our worries, surrender our fears, surrender our emotions to the LORD and let Him fill us with peace that surpasses all understanding. He can and He will refresh our souls when we come to Him. We can come to know complete peace, contentment and fulfilment in God.

"He leads me beside still waters."

Not all waters are still, especially when life is turbulent and difficult. However, God knows when to provide stillness and solace. He leads us to that place of peace, and comfort. The storms of life will come, and the seas will rage, but God always leads us to still waters. The Shepherd knows when the sheep need green pastures and still waters. These images are rich with the sense of comfort, care and rest.

With God as our Shepherd we will never lack and always have His protection and peace.

How wonderful is that!