“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (The word “want” here means “lack.” In other words, because our Shepherd, Jesus, provides everything we need, “we lack nothing!” And although we may not get everything we want, He does give us everything we need.) He MAKES ME to lie down in green pastures; He LEADS ME beside the still waters. HE RESTORES my soul; He LEADS ME in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 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. You PREPARE a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You ANOINT my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I WILL DWELL in the house of the LORD Forever.” (Psalms 23:1-6)
- THE FIRST THING HE DOES IS PROVIDE: “I shall not want.” (“want” here means “lack.”)
- HE PROVIDES CONTENTMENT AND PEACE: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
- HE PROVIDES RESTORATION: “He restores my soul”
- HE PROVIDES GUIDANCE: “He leads me in the paths of righteousness”
- HE PROVIDES PROTECTION: “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.”
- HE PROVIDES A PROMISE: “You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell (yashab: settle, inhabit) in the house of the LORD.”
How do we “dwell” with the Lord? “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him. WE will come to him and MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM.” (John 14:23)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham