I would consider Psalm 23 as the most familiar Psalm in the Bible. It has probably been written and quoted as much as any other portion of Scripture. Because of its familiarity, many people overlook its great truths and significance in their lives. The deep truths found in this Psalm are often missed because we read over it quickly and casually without giving it much thought. The depths of this Psalm cannot be reached in one or two articles, but I want to just scratch the surface today and maybe touch some more of its comforting words next time.
The first verse speaks of a personal possession: “The Lord is my shepherd.” A shepherd is one who tends, feeds and guards the sheep. I am in the strong hands of the one who owns me. I am his personal possession, and he is mine. The Bible teaches that all who are saved are bought with a price. We are not our own but have put the keeping of our souls into His care and keep; I Peter 1 helps us to see that in verses 3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” If I belong to him, I am assured that he will take care of me. 1 Peter 5:7 verifies that fact: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
What a sweet and comforting passage of Scripture we find in the very first verse of this Psalm. It is as David says later in Psalm 19:10, speaking of God’s Word, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” In this Psalm 19, in the previous verses, he speaks about the law, the testimonies, the statutes, the commandments, and the judgments of the Lord. All these words are references to the Word of God. His promises are true and faithful, and we can trust Him for every provision. The second part of Psalm 23:1 says, “I shall not want.” This means I will not want for anything that I need. Paul said in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Here again, as David said, The Lord is my shepherd, Paul said, My God. We can have a personal relationship with Christ through faith, and can claim all his promises. All the riches of heaven are at our disposal if we belong to Him. Every good thing that we need will be provided according to Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Until next time.