Psalm 23: A Sheep & Her Shepherd-Bible Study

When we are faced with challenges, it can be difficult to see the light at the end. But God is with us in everything we do. And he blessed us with His Word, spoken through King David, for when we feel as though we are in an endless wilderness with no way out.

Psalm 23

This is probably the most famous and recited verse in the entire Bible. Every time I read it, not only do I get encouraged, but I receive new revelations that I needed in that moment. So let's start studying!

Psalm 23 begins: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." (KJV). On it's face, it's clear. God is our one true leader, who is protecting us, guiding us, and caring for us. And He is always providing for us, which means when He gives us something, it is enough for us that we will want nothing (lack nothing, in other versions). And throughout scripture, we see the same promise: When we have God, we have all that we need (Matthew 6:31-33; John 10:11; Philippians 4:19).

Verse 2 states: "He makes me lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside still waters." The visual of green grass and a streaming brook immediately elicit one emotion: peace. This is what I am often praying for, and I receive it instantly, every time. God's peace surpasses our anger, our resentment, our insecurities, our shame, our hurt, our grudge, our trauma...everything. And the way that it overwhelms me to a point where I'm confused is very telling. Just like He promised, it is peace that surpasses ALL understanding (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). And being led to and by the waters, namely, the Water of Life, will no doubt bring peace and comfort to us when we are at our lowest points (1 Kings 17:5-8; John 4: 14).

Verse 3 says: "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Restoration and revival is always something that I need. Just like God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), so are we when we repent and accept God's will for that day. And we get rest in exchange for our submitting to God (Matthew 11:28). Being led in the path of righteousness is to be led on the path of God, which He promises He will do (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30: 21). Finally, being led and restored for His name is important, because it reminds us of God's overarching promise made from the beginning: Bringing us back to Him. When God makes a promise, He can only swear by Himself, as there is no one higher or greater than He (Hebrews 6:13). So when He says that He will restore us and leads us on the right path, according to His name, it is going to happen (Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 48:11; Ezekiel 36:22).

Verse 4: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (NKJV). A shadow of something means it is close, or represents and intimate relationship. So being in the valley of the shadow of death, is being so near death and destruction it would surely scare anyone (Job 10:21-22). But in this verse, God promises to be with us. And not only is God promising to be with us, but King David is making a declaration: I will fear no evil. I will not be afraid. Do you know how confident you have to be in order to look Death in its eyes and say "I"m not afraid of you"? (1 Samuel 17:45; 1 Corinthians 15: 55; Psalm 118:6; Romans 8:31). Thankfully, we can do that because our King Jesus overcame Death by sacrificing Himself on a cross and rising up again on the third day (Matthew 28: 6; Mark 16: 6; Luke 24:6; John 20: 14). And His comfort comes in the form of a rod and staff, tools used for discipline and guidance, as well as to support (Exodus 4:2, 14:16; John 8:32, 14:16). So when you're going through the valley of struggle, abuse, addiction, frustration, anger, comparison, and doubt...remember that God is with you in all of it (Isaiah 43:2-4). He sees you, and He knows exactly how you're feeling at that moment. He never left you (Exodus 4:12; Joshua 1:9).

Verse 5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." (NKJV). W. Phillip Keller explains in his book-A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23- that the "table" that David as a shepherd referred to was likely a flat plateau in the mountainside where the sheep would rest. A shepherd was mindful to clear out any debris, find water, and anything else that he sheep needed, before the sheep got there. The plateau on the mountainside was obviously clear and visible to any predators, but the shepherd was there diligently to protect his sheep. Likewise, God is preparing a place for us to rest and be still, even in the midst of calamity and heartbreak. And the rest may look like a blessing to our enemies, who only want to see us fall. God did say that when we worship Him in private, He will reward us in public (Matthew 6:18). So when we come to God with our problems, and repent, and strive to keep His commandments, He sees us. And He is faithful to forgive us of our sins always (1 John 1:9). When we submit our plans to God, He blesses us with much more than we could ever imagine (Jeremiah 33:3), and in His name we have power over our enemies (Psalm 118:10-11)!

Anointing is something that I believe is very beneficial. Being anointed means to be set apart, chosen, healed, and filled with peace. An anointing from God can only produce good things (Exodus 30:22-25; Leviticus 11:45; Luke 12:3). Having a cup that runs over, means having more than enough. God's promises of providing for us with blessings should not be taken lightly. God is ready to give us all that we need, and all that we desire that aligns with His will (Matthew 6:33, 7:7; Luke 6:38). And even when He's given us more than we can imagine, if it seems too little, He will still give us much more (2 Samuel 12:8). We don't have to go searching for more or take things into our own hands. When we wait on the Lord and trust in Him, then He will give us more without hesitation. And we should always remember that all good things are from above (James 1:17) and deserve the upmost thanks and praise to God.

Verse 6 says: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (NKJV). When I sit down and really think about this scripture, it's overwhelming. The everlasting goodness and mercy of God is following me. It is following You. Maybe that's why we're told to not look behind when we move forward, because God is there to look for us (Genesis 19:26; Isaiah 43: 18-19). We don't have to worry about what has past, because God's mercies are new (Ok with the callback! Lamentations 3:22-23). And not only are they following us, they surround us (Psalm 33:22-NLT). We are safe and reassured knowing that God is before, beside, and behind us in everything, especially in the shadows of death (Another callback, this is amazing! Matthew 28:20). To dwell in the Lord's house for ever is the only goal that is bigger than all others. It is the reason we were put on this earth, to give God glory and help bring others to His everlasting arms. Being with God is better than anything we can think of, and it's only with Him that we have peace of mind (Psalm 100:4; Hebrews 4:16, 11:6).

Psalm 23 is a beautiful song in a timeless Word of God. Like all scriptures, the more I read it to understand, the more I get the understanding. I get joyful when I get a new revelation on how God shows His love for His children. And when I'm feeling down, at the end of my rope, I hold on tightly to these verses to remind myself that God sees and He knows. He forgives, and He sets free. I am free. You are free. When we have Jesus, our lovely Shepherd-Saviour, we have all that we need. When we have Jesus, everything will be okay. Stay strong, and holdfast (Hebrews 10:23), God will not let you down (Deuteronomy 31:6).

He Never Left You.

-Sherry Amor