Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 1

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV).

 

It has been a while since we have taken a journey through the Psalms. So, I decided to do a short trip through these incredible songs of worship and praise. I have found many references to the “Most Beloved Psalms”; however, as is true with any list taken from a poll of people the very nature of this list is highly subjective. I’ll use my own version from personal experience over the last five decades. As our reading indicates, the first of our series will be the 23^rd Psalm, also known as “the Nightingale of the Psalms.” This is a beautiful Psalm and is often quoted in times of grief and difficulty. Perhaps the singular most essential part of the psalm is in how it gives us the wonderful picture of a God who cares for his people.

 

It was written by David. He was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, and as a young boy David was trained to tend his father’s sheep. What an unusual beginning for a lad who would one day be King David. The Psalm is a picture of a shepherd who rules and feeds his sheep. In the Middle East, especially Israel, sheep will begin grazing about 4 am, walking steadily until 10 am when the sun is high. They get hot and thirsty, and therefore it is vital that the shepherd lead them to a cool shady place where they can lie down to digest the grass they have eaten.

 

The first verse is a lovely reminder that “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want”. In fact, this verse sums up the whole Psalm. We are talking about the Lord, a Person. God, my Lord, is not just a nice theory or fairy tale. He is God with a name. I can call him ‘the Lord’, for he is present tense. Not ‘was’; not just ‘will be’, but he is —here and now, at this very moment. However hot and arid your journey may have become, we have a Good Shepherd who will lead us to lush, green pastures and cool, still water. No wonder David declares that he has nothing left wanting in his life. The Lord has provided all he could need. He does the same for all his children!