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17th June
Psalm 23. A song of thankfulness for God’s help in times of difficulty
- We are not sure when this psalm was written. Maybe David wrote it as a young boy when out in the fields tending the sheep (1 Samuel 16:11), or maybe he wrote it later in life when he had experienced the dangers and disappointments of life. One thing we do know, this is one of the best known and loved of all the psalms. Its poetry covers life from its very beginning to its end. It is a profound statement of trust, faith and thanksgiving to God whom David identifies as his Shepherd King.
- Verses 1,2
- David acknowledges that the Lord is his shepherd and with God in his life he will want for nothing else. God is sufficient. This does not mean, however, that there will not be difficult times in life. Good shepherds bring their flocks to green pastures to give them nourishment. They encourage them to lie down enabling them to rest. Water is life, and without it we die. It is by water that we are baptized into God’s family.
- Verses 3,4
- Once souls are nourished, rested and cared for they become refreshed and restored. Life is sustained. A good shepherd will guide his flock onto paths that are safe (Ezekiel 34:11-15). The paths of righteousness may not always be peaceful paths. They may be dark and dangerous places. We are not promised no evil, but we can be assured that we need fear no evil. We will always be in the Shepherd’s presence if we follow him. His rod and His staff – these were implements used by shepherds to ward off enemies and to rescue straying sheep. God may lead but when we face difficulties he is by our side.
- Verses 5,6
- No greater security could be given to a guest in the ancient Near East than to be offered shelter and food. It would guarantee protection from any enemy. Anointing with oil was a tradition given to an honoured guest. The cup was not half filled —it was overflowing. This surely shows God’s generosity. Goodness and love are the benefits of our belonging to God’s family. Here they are personified.
- To consider
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- In what circumstance do you feel closest to God?
- Remember that what we NEED is NOT always what we WANT.
- Prayer
- Heavenly Father, help us to follow your lead. Help us not to be afraid in times of trial but to trust in your goodness and love for us as our Shepherd King. Amen.
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