Psalm 23, Understood

psalm-23

Psalm 23, an annotated version:The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.– That’s relationship
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.– That’s rest

 He leads me beside still waters.– That’s  refreshment

 3     He restores my soul.– That’s healing

 He leads me in paths of righteousness– That’s guidance

     for his name’s sake.– That’s purpose

⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,– That’s testing
I will fear no evil,– That’s protection
for you are with me;– That’s faithfulness
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.– That’s discipline

5 You prepare a table before me– That’s hope

     in the presence of my enemies;– That’s witness

 you anoint my head with oil;– That’s consecration

     my cup overflows.– That’s abundance

 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,– That’s blessing

 and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord– That’s security

     forever.– That’s eternity
Psalm 23, ESV
We really do live in a world of uncertainty. Anything can happen (and often does) and at times we will struggle. Psalm 23 is something stable that we can latch on. It is a psalm of unparalleled comfort for the turmoil.
It is especially good to those of us who struggle with a suffering or illness. It is a tether for us that holds us in place. For those who fear death it promises us life– forever.
If you’re a broken believer who has issues, I encourage you to memorize this psalm.  As you commit it to memory it will instinctively draw you to reality. It will be something the Holy Spirit will use over and over in your life. I have been crippled with fear many times, and this psalm has protected me. 
I love the Shepherd of Psalm 23. 

Author: Pastor Bryan Lowe

A repentant rascal with definite issues, but who is seeking to be authentic in his faith to Jesus Christ. An avid reader and a hopeful writer. Husband and father. A pastor and Bible teacher. A brain tumor survivor. Diagnosed with clinical depression, and now disabled. Enjoys life, such as it is, in Alask.a (Actually I have it pretty good.) View all posts by Pastor Bryan Lowe

3 thoughts on “Psalm 23, Understood”

Thank you Brain for showing me in a new and beautiful way ,the Psalm 23.Braking it up abit like you did ,makes me understand ,in a better way, what the Psalm really means,expecailly for me in theses times being,that I am struggling,and fighting so,so ,so hard against suicide.I am so afraid!
Please pray someone for me cause its horrifing at some points!
I too see myself,crippled with great fear!
Thank you
Tina 🌻

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This Psalm is the reason I am still alive, writing and speaking about God’s amazing faithfulness through a life of abandonment and molestation. I praise Him – He truly is my Shepherd.

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