Psalm 23

Verses

1

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.‭‭

God is my shepherd. It is a choice. We all choose a world view to shepherd our lives.
Once we have chosen a worldview, it shapes us. Many people go through life without thinking deeply about their worldview. Some other people consciously choose their worldview. Once you make that choice, everything else flows from there. A decision like that has a domino effect. This one dominant decision determines what you do with your day, what friends you choose, what you do for your friends, what job you take, how diligent you are at your job, how you treat your spouse, and so many others.

Who's your shepherd? Have you reasoned and tested this decision? Have you tasted the fruits of your decision? If you're going to build your life on such a foundational decision, shouldn't you think about it? You'll live your life intentionally if you choose your worldview seriously.

It is not a one-time choice. Every day and in every decision, you have to make that choice. That is why the Psalmist says, "God is", not "God was" or "God will". David has God as his shepherd all the time. David chose God as a shepherd in every way, every day.

"I lack nothing" is both a promise and an affirmation. When you choose God as your shepherd, you won't lack anything. You'll have peace around you, you'll eat the best wheat, and you'll be respected by the elders. He'll bless you with insight and you'll prosper in everything. It's not just a promise for the future. It's true every single day. David's not talking about the future. He means the here and now.

You must also look at your life and say, I don't lack anything. Can you look at what you have and say you don't lack anything? Could you look at your house, vehicle, wife, kids, job, salary, your social standing and say you have nothing to complain about? We always look around to others and want what they have. We might have enough, or even more than enough. But we'll never have everything others have. You'll have colleagues with higher salaries, neighbors with better cars, and classmates with better lives than you. Will you compare and say that I lack this and that? Are you going to be content with what you have and say that I don't lack anything?

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,“‭

As I read Psalm 23:2, I understand that verse 1 is a choice – "God is my shepherd" – and verses 2-5 describe the blessings that flow from this choice. It's like picking up one end of a stick, and the other end comes with it.

The Lord, Jehovah Jireh, knows the green pastures and quiet waters that are best for me. He'll guide me to places I might not have known or even preferred, but there, He'll nourish me with fine wheat and surround me with peace – at work, at home, among friends, and within my family.

Yet, this tranquility can be challenging. My mind may wander to the seemingly eventful lives of others, not realizing the tension and anxiety they face. As I enjoy the green pastures and still waters, I may start to feel restless, thinking I should step out of my comfort zone or stir things up.

Choosing God as my shepherd is a constant decision, even when everything is calm. When life is peaceful and stable, it's easy for God's word to fade into the background. Doubts creep in – questioning if God is real or if He even exists.

So remember this: saying "God is my shepherd" during times of peace is just as important as turning to Him in moments of struggle. Stay close to the quiet waters, embrace the green pastures, and let His blessings flow.

In these peaceful places, I find harmony in my job, home, friends, and family. But staying within these tranquil boundaries can be tough. As I lie down, my thoughts drift to others' seemingly eventful lives. I may envy their travels or promotions, unaware of the tension and anxiety they face.

While we yearn for peace during troubles, can we truly live by quiet waters for years? As calm persists, doubts creep in. Am I playing it too safe? Soon, I might drift from these serene shores by choice.

Choosing "God is my shepherd" when basking in green pastures can be harder than during difficulties. In tranquility, God's word fades into the background, and rational thoughts sow seeds of doubt. Amidst peace, remembering past turmoil is crucial to reaffirming my faith.

v2-v5 are blessings or rewards of the choice of v1;
God the Jehovah Yireh knows which green pastures and quiet waters are good for you and he will lead you to those places. Those places may not be the ones you knew or even sometimes prefer. He will take you there and you'll have the finest of wheat and you'll have peace all around you- in your job, home, among your friends.

quiet waters indicate peace. it is a challenge to sit tightly and stay within those peaceful boundaries. when you lie down, your mind will wander around to your colleagues and family members and would be drawn to the drama in their lives. They might all look like living eventful lives. we may not realise the tension and anxiety in their lives.

when we are going through troubles, we might yearn for peace. but can you really live besides quiet waters days and years and decades? you start to get the feeling something is wrong with me; or i am not attempting things beyond my comfort zone and so on. so you start drifting from those quiet waters.

"god is my shephard" is a constant choice that you have to make even when you are lying besides quiet waters. when everything is calm and you enjoy green pastures god and his word goes to the background and you start to think rational and wonder if god is true. you forget the troubles and emotional turmoil that you went through. saying god is my shepherd when you are continually enjoying green pasture is even more challenge than saying it when you go through difficulties.

3

he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Up until verse 4, David speaks of the Lord in a third person voice. "He is my shepherd. He leads me to quiet waters. He restores my soul," and so on. But in verse 4, as he walks through the darkest valley, suddenly God feels closer. "You are with me," David says, shifting from "he" to "you."

This closeness is one of the greatest blessings that only a Christian can claim: God is with us all the time, even when we struggle or face our darkest moments. His presence changes everything, lifting our burdens and providing constant companionship.

I used to ask "why this is happening to me?" whenever I went through darkest valleys. What I also found out was that, none of the answers satisfies you. When you find yourself in a dark valley, you are not really looking for answers. Answers don't give you comfort or changes the situations. Instead, you crave the comforting presence of someone who understands and supports you. That's what Jesus offers, and it makes all the difference.

God promises to be our Emmanuel—"God is with us." And in those difficult times, it's his unwavering presence that brings true comfort and solace.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.