Psalm 23 is perhaps the 2nd most recognizable scripture passage, second only to “the Lord’s Prayer.” I think it’s a Summer Psalm with image of green pastures and quiet waters. They take our thoughts, even during winter, to balmy, pleasant Summer days. David, the shepherd boy, later king of Israel wrote it. You’ve maybe heard it in Sunday School or perhaps at a memorial service for a friend.
I’ve been reflecting and meditating on this Psalm. Several events draw my mind to this familiar text. Some of my best friends are going through medically hard seasons. Encouraging them has occupied my mind. The passage has also been referenced in different, disconnected things I’ve been reading. And just a few mornings ago, a devotional audio just rocked my world with its application. Even as a long time Christian believer, I find my mind assuming the opposite of what this Psalm promises. It’s particularly true when my life hits rough patches.
It is so easy to anticipate the opposite of the promises God has left us here. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” If God, the Savior, is my leader, that’s all I need. In truth that is all I really need, but faithlessly, I often say, “There’s a lot that I want.” Our American culture infects us with so much desire and want and greed. And culture is less to blame than my own craving. I’ve got way too much junk. The only antidote I’ve found is to make The Shepherd my focus. When I’m satisfied and delighted in Him, the stuff can go.
“He makes my lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” If you’ve been to Israel or the Middle East, you know that green pastures are not Minnesota green. Even in the rainy seasons, grass patches are kind of a greenish tan surrounded by stony sand. In most of that land, water in any form is preciously rare. And the question posed is, can I rest in meager surroundings? God provides so that I don’t need to be frantic, agitated, anxious? I catch myself believing the opposite.
“He restores my soul.” But when life gets hard, I fear my soul is being shattered and broken. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name sake.” When He leads, it’s always toward greater purity. But do I trust that He will direct me and lean into what I believe He has said?
Even walking through the shadow of death. Honestly, our challenges and stress can feel like that at times. But whether or not I can sense Him and His presence, as a Christian, I do have this promise that He will not abandon me. So I move forward, unafraid.
“Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The rod and staff for a shepherd boy were for protection and direction. The rod (says Phillip Keller – A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) would sometimes be thrown with amazing accuracy at predators seeking a kill and a meal. The staff was to guide the flock and rescue a lamb from rocky crevasse. They comfort us in reminder of the safety and guidance of our Shepherd. But can we trust?
“You prepare a table before me – right in the presence of my enemies.” Do I really believe that when others, especially opposers, look into my life, they will be envious and wish what I have with Him? Or am I concerned they will profit while I am still needy?
“You anoint my head with oil.” Anointing in a dry desert climate, was not only an act of great favor, it was a practical relief from sunburn and its damage. Does God really favor me? Can I believe he actually sees and approves my development? Will He really rescue me from how life in this world damages me? Yes, He will. I need to believe it.
“My cup overflows.” Can I focus and trust in how God is blessing me and working in the challenges and annoyances of my life? His goodness is constant, amazing and so good, but my attention is often on my lack and insufficiency.
Surely goodness and mercy (steadfast love) will follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Here at the end is the hinge of the Psalm. In Hebrew poetry it all leads to the crisis of the final words. And some of us have at the core of our identity, a deep assurance that God has pledged us to eternity in the place where He dwells. Some of us aren’t sure.
Here’s the most critical question in it all. And whether I have adjusted my mind to the rest of these promises, I need, at least this core confidence that my wrongs have been forgiven and that at life’s end, I will be welcomed into the presence of Jesus, the Great Good Shepherd. As I write, my hope and my prayer is that you have that assurance. A prayer expressing your desire and faith can change that destination, reshape your life and give you a profound hope.
Oh Jesus, Good Shepherd I trust that your cross provided for my forgiveness. I want the transformed, changed life you have for me. I submit to your leadership my Shepherd. I want all this Psalm promises, but I begin by asking for this ultimate promise in a real, connected relationship with You. I want it. I want You.
