This week in my Living on the Rock Bible Study, we took a long, lovely look at Psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Most commentaries view this Psalm as one David wrote at the end of his life, looking back and reflecting. As he looks back over this life, this is his story: God’s provision, protection, and presence. Despite having seasons of lack, David’s testimony is that God did not leave him in those places.
Some of you might be in seasons of want right now (or just especially empathetic to the suffering of the world, so you feel the want of others) – and so “God is my Shepherd, I shall not want” might really bother you. In a season of want, it is hard to hear an older person look back over their lives and say, “God always provided” – because we want to know WHEN? And WHAT ABOUT ME? Read more
Renee Davis Meyer 