Topic: The LORD is my Shepherd
Scripture
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Read Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd- talks of Relationship, I shall not – refers to Supply and satisfaction,He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – Rest, He leads me beside still water -Refreshment, He restores my soul – Healing, He leads me in the paths of righteousness – Guidance, for his name sake – Purpose, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – Trial and Testing, I will fear no evil – this refers to – Protection and trust, for you are with me -Faithfulness, your rod and your staff,they comfort me – Concern And Compassion, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies- Hope and Provision, You anoint my head with oil – Consecration, My cup overflow- Abundance, Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me All The Days Of My Life – Blessing, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord – Security and Safe, Forever – Eternity In Heaven.
God allows time in the valley
In the first four verses of Ps. 23, David paints the gentle picture of a shepherd with his sheep to describe the relationship God has with us and we with Him. Everything makes sense in our understanding of a shepherd leading his flock to green grass and calm waters. Then we get to v. 4, and it doesn’t fit. The valley of the shadow of death conjures thoughts of a dangerous situation where a sheep’s life is in jeopardy unless the shepherd is alert and attentive.
But why would a sheep be going through such a place? Not because he strayed off in sin; that is not the point here, because the shepherd is pictured as going with the sheep not snatching him back to the pasture he left behind. No, the reason the sheep is going through the valley is because the shepherd lead him there.
The connection between vs. 3 and 4 confirm this: The path through the valley is also one of the paths of righteousness in which God leads. “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me . . . ”
But why would a good shepherd who would lay down his life for his sheep lead a lamb into a valley filled with danger and death threats? There’s only one possible answer: “To get to some better place!” Philip Keller is an Australian shepherd whose wonderful little book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 includes this observation about these barren valleys:
“The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves, or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock. He knows these valleys can be subject to sudden storms and flash floods that send walls of water rampaging down the slopes. There could be rockslides, mud, or . . . a dozen other natural disasters that would destroy or injure his sheep. But in spite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country. He spares himself no pains or trouble or time to keep an eye out for any danger that might develop.”
When you’re walking through some unfamiliar valley and the shadows linger . . . When you’re trying to decide as a matter of Godly stewardship whether to take your money out of the market or let it ride… When your finances are tight, and you are taking on yet another job to make ends meet, when you seem to be going through some marriage issues or family problems, remember this:
Your Shepherd has appointed even this hard time as one of His paths of righteousness. He is leading you through this valley for reasons that probably won’t be apparent. But rest assured, He is taking you to the high country, where the sun is warm and the grass is lush. Every valley is pathway to something better. As Psalm 84:11 says, “No good does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Or as Paul put it, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom . 8:28). The valley isn’t good, but the Shepherd is. He knows the way.
PRAYER
Gracious God, you are our good shepherd. You make sure we have all that we need to live. You give us the gift of rest. You protect us from all hurt harm and danger. You watch over us all.Thank you Father for your angels of protection around us. Amen.
