DAY NINE – Friday, February 26, 2021
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
When Rev. Elaine told me Psalm 23 was what I had been allotted to write about, she said “it’s a classic – but thinking you might be able to bring a new twist to it.” It’s a classic one alright. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular Psalms in the Bible and is often recited at church or during funerals. I have never had the opportunity to dissect this Psalm before, but must admit I went to the Internet (Christian Home) for assistance. Over the years we have learned, before David became King of Israel, he was a shepherd who took care of and protected flocks of sheep. He wrote the psalm describing God as a shepherd and God’s people as his flock. Sheep are not the smartest animals, so they need someone to care for and protect them. Sheep need guidance to safe pastures and we, too, need a shepherd to guide us to safety and lead us to provision.
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. My interpretation of these verses is God is watching over me. I have everything I need now and everything I need in the future will be provided. Not only does he give me what I need, he gives even more, like green pastures and still waters. The best of the best!
I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me.
This verse emphasizes God’s protection in the face of evil. It promises us that God is with us and he will comfort us. Daily, God will provide whatever we need to endure any pain or difficulties.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. God is using these struggles to prepare for something great. Satan sees you changing his evil plan into something good instead.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. We are honoured by God when we are brought through the darkness into the light. We realize how many amazing blessings we have and how God’s love and faithfulness sustain us. We try to count all our blessings; they are more than can be numbered.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. No matter what situations I find myself in, God is good all the time. I am with God now and will forever be in his presence of peace.
To sum up the entire Psalm 23’s meaning: “God is Good. Always!”
Heather McCrae
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
When Rev. Elaine told me Psalm 23 was what I had been allotted to write about, she said “it’s a classic – but thinking you might be able to bring a new twist to it.” It’s a classic one alright. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular Psalms in the Bible and is often recited at church or during funerals. I have never had the opportunity to dissect this Psalm before, but must admit I went to the Internet (Christian Home) for assistance. Over the years we have learned, before David became King of Israel, he was a shepherd who took care of and protected flocks of sheep. He wrote the psalm describing God as a shepherd and God’s people as his flock. Sheep are not the smartest animals, so they need someone to care for and protect them. Sheep need guidance to safe pastures and we, too, need a shepherd to guide us to safety and lead us to provision.
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. My interpretation of these verses is God is watching over me. I have everything I need now and everything I need in the future will be provided. Not only does he give me what I need, he gives even more, like green pastures and still waters. The best of the best!
I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me.
This verse emphasizes God’s protection in the face of evil. It promises us that God is with us and he will comfort us. Daily, God will provide whatever we need to endure any pain or difficulties.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. God is using these struggles to prepare for something great. Satan sees you changing his evil plan into something good instead.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. We are honoured by God when we are brought through the darkness into the light. We realize how many amazing blessings we have and how God’s love and faithfulness sustain us. We try to count all our blessings; they are more than can be numbered.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. No matter what situations I find myself in, God is good all the time. I am with God now and will forever be in his presence of peace.
To sum up the entire Psalm 23’s meaning: “God is Good. Always!”
Heather McCrae
