The Lord is My Shepherd
Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)
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.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Reflection
This psalm is greatly popular within the Christian faith. Proof of this? A few days ago, I said just the first line in the office, and immediately, three other staff members started to quote the remainder of the passage. I think the popularity of this scripture has everything to do with what it means. So, what does it mean? Let’s walk through it piece by piece.
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.
God watches over us. Just like a shepherd watches over his flock, God takes care of us. He gives us rest when our bodies become tired, and provides nourishment to sustain us.
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.
God is our protector and comfort. Even when we are in the depths of evil or despair, He is there with us. He never leaves our side, but rather, guides us back into safety. He is ready to protect us if harm comes our way. He is ready to comfort us when we need it.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
God blesses us beyond measure. He loves us enough to give us honor and blessings. His love for us will never end or fail. We will one day spend eternity with Him.
God gives us all that we need. He is the one who sustains. He provides. He protects. He comforts. He honors. He blesses. He loves. God is where all our resources come from. Let us never forget the One who takes care of our every need.
Action Steps
Spend some time thanking God for the way He cares for you and provides you with the things you need.
Prayer
God, we thank You for Your generosity, for the way You love us and provide for us. We thank You that You go before us and never leave us. Thank You for your blessings and provision. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Reflection
This psalm is greatly popular within the Christian faith. Proof of this? A few days ago, I said just the first line in the office, and immediately, three other staff members started to quote the remainder of the passage. I think the popularity of this scripture has everything to do with what it means. So, what does it mean? Let’s walk through it piece by piece.
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.
God watches over us. Just like a shepherd watches over his flock, God takes care of us. He gives us rest when our bodies become tired, and provides nourishment to sustain us.
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.
God is our protector and comfort. Even when we are in the depths of evil or despair, He is there with us. He never leaves our side, but rather, guides us back into safety. He is ready to protect us if harm comes our way. He is ready to comfort us when we need it.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
God blesses us beyond measure. He loves us enough to give us honor and blessings. His love for us will never end or fail. We will one day spend eternity with Him.
God gives us all that we need. He is the one who sustains. He provides. He protects. He comforts. He honors. He blesses. He loves. God is where all our resources come from. Let us never forget the One who takes care of our every need.
Action Steps
Spend some time thanking God for the way He cares for you and provides you with the things you need.
Prayer
God, we thank You for Your generosity, for the way You love us and provide for us. We thank You that You go before us and never leave us. Thank You for your blessings and provision. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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