A Fresh Look at Psalms 23

The book of Psalms, especially Psalms 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd”  has brought joy to countless people over the generations. I pray this fresh look brings you hope, inspiration, and encouragement.

“The Lord is my shepherd” – Psalm 23:1a AMP

This is an awesome thought.  The Jewish translation says “Adonai is my shepherd”

Imagine the maker of heaven and earth is our shepherd

“To feed, guide and shield” Psalm 23:1b AMP

He Meets Our Greatest Needs

God knows that those are my greatest needs. Provision, Direction, and Protection.  Depending on the season I am living in, I need one of those more than the others.

For me, right now it is direction.  God has been so good to provide and protect but choosing the right direction can be a tough one.

“I shall not want” – Psalm 23:1c

We tend to use the word “want” freely.  Most do not know it means extreme lack.

The good news is that scripture promises I shall never lack any good thing!

I will have all the provision, direction, and protection I need.

Always…ALL-WAYS!

We Never Need to Fear

So I need not fear or doubt. To fear is to lack faith.  Faith and fear cannot co-exist.

“Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry.” – Psalms 37:25 NLT

“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19 AMP

[tweetshare tweet=”There is No Lack in the Kingdom! – Brenda Byers” username=”@Prosperinall”]The truth is that when we find our self in lack.  It is not God.  It is us who allow the belief in lack to creep in and cause us to fear. Job said that what He feared came upon us. We are no different.  Often we meditate on lack so much it becomes our reality.

Therefore, I shall not lack.  Period. End of subject.

“He lets me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still and quiet waters”. – Psalm 23:2 AMP

What else could a sheep ever need?  He provides us with green pastures, pure water, and rest…

Springs of Living Water

Lord teach me to enjoy the pastures you lead me into.  Teach me to rest.  Teach me to drink from the still waters.

His water quenches our thirst permanently!  It not only quenches but it becomes an endless spring that continually bubbles up WITHIN!

“Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water [satisfying his thirst for God] welling up [continually flowing, bubbling within him] to eternal life.” – John 4:13-14 AMP

“He refreshes and restores my soul” – Psalm 23:3a

Total Renewal

The gift is that He completely renews my mind, heals my emotions and wounds and restores my soul so I am able to fully live the life I was created to live.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness – Psalms 23:3 AMP

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. – Psalms 23:3 NLT

We must remember that He is the one who leads and guides.

Lessons from Dancing

As I dancer I have learned so much about being led.

In dance, if I use my head and try to anticipate or move in a way I think is right, I often miss the mark.

If I relax and feel and allow myself to be led the dance becomes pure poetry in motion. I must relax and trust.

This is also true for the dance of the Spirit.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” – Rom 8:14 NLT

Even in the Darkest Paths

Along the journey, I may find myself in a place where death is present or light is absent.

The natural tendency would be to fear.  But when I remember Adonai is close beside me and His rod and staff protect and comfort I can relax and know I am safe.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. – Psalms 23:4 NLT

Jesus too promised that No-thing shall harm me.

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [a]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.” – Luke 10:19 AMP

[tweetshare tweet=”In the Kingdom, not even my enemies can stop me from receiving and enjoying my abundance.  They can only observe as I eat from His banqueting table. – Brenda Byers” username=”@Prosperinall”]”

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” – Psalm 23:5 AMP

His anointing oil flows down my head and renews my mind. His Holy Spirit gives me the mind of Christ.I can now know the mysteries and purposes of God that were once hidden. (1 Cor 2:7)

“For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].” 1 Cor 2:16

Living in the Overflow!

I live the abundant life Christ promised.  I live in the overflow!

Goodness, mercy, and love follow me. In fact, His blessings chase and overtake me!

Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,- Psalm 23:6a

All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God. – Deut. 28:2 AMP

There is no place I’d rather be than in His Presence.  It is in His Presence that I experience the fullness of Joy

And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord. – Psalm 23:6b

“In Your presence is the fullness of joy; In Your right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11

Prayer:  Lord You are our Shepherd.  In You we trust.  Teach us to rest in your abundance. Help us to live in your peace, protection, and provision.  May the Joy of the Lord be our strength.  Forgive us for trying to live life in our own strength and apart from you.  Order our steps and lead us on the right path. Amen.