FollowinGod.com

Psalm 23 – vs 1-3

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

A popular Psalm such as the one above needs no introduction. On the contrary, it serves to remind us:

1) “The Lord is my shepherd.” God is our protector, a shepherd that will guide us and protect us. But that also assumes then, that we follow the shepherd as sheep; we must be quiet, obey, and follow the direction given unto us.
2) We “shall not want.” Just as sheep are provided with everything they need by their shepherd, we also should not ask for that which we do not need, for God knows our needs, and He will provide them.
3) We need to “lie down in green pastures…beside still waters.” This passage advises us that we have needs that include rest. For many people, comfort can be found in God’s wonderful creation that we call nature. I remember times when I was much younger and took time to “stop and smell the roses.” Those are some of the most relaxing memories that I recall. Yet today, we all get busy with the daily grind and forget to relax.
4) “He restores my soul.” He relieves, refreshes, and comforts not only our bodies, but our soul. He has the capability and desire to help us. When people “restore” a car or antique, they remove the impurities and “make like new.” In God’s case, he helps to remove sin from us and purify our souls.
5) “He leads me in paths of righteousness.” God will not lead us astray. Just as a parent does not lead his child into danger, the Lord’s love for us as His children will lead us only to blessings and growth.

Next time you hear Psalm 23, take time to think about each verse and what each single point highlights to us about the love of our God.

And come back tomorrow, as I discuss verses 4-6 from Psalm 23.