In The Word
Read: Psalm 23-24
The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The King of Glory Entering Zion.
A Psalm of David.
24 The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Psalm 23 is probably one of the most recognized chapters in the Scripture. It is so beautifully written as a reminder of how loving the Lord is to us. He is our good shepherd. In Christ, all of our needs are filled; therefore, we should have no wants in our life. He gives us rest and peace in our lives, which brings restoration to our very souls. For His name’s sake, He always guides us on a path of purpose and righteousness, which guides us deeper into relationship with Him. Even when we walk through the things that may seem dark, difficult, or deadly, we can be without fear for He is right there with us. He protects us from the enemy with His rod and staff, and, when needed, He uses them to correct and guide us as well. He goes before us and prepares the way for us to avoid the poison and corruption the enemy wants us to consume. He anoints, heals, and renews our mind with oil so that we are protected from wrong thoughts. The Lord makes our lives overflow with goodness and loving-kindness all the days of our lives.
Wow! Now, doesn’t all of that sound magnificent? These promises in the Lord are “yes” and “amen,” but here is one key to have them. It’s found in Psalm 23:1 in which you have to make the Lord your shepherd. If He isn’t your shepherd, then these promises aren’t for you; at least not yet, but they could be. The Good Shepherd is ready to receive you; give Him your life as He gave all of His for you. Then we will all be like David at the end of Psalm 23 and will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!