I thought for today’s blog we would breakdown a passage of scripture that I have been learning much about over the course of the year. Last spring, my mentor from church and I started going on walks about once a week. She mentioned a book to me that she dearly loves called “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller. I enjoyed this book so much because it is written from a shepherd’s perspective on caring for his sheep, and how this can relate to our relationship with the Lord as His sheep. It also was very helpful because there were parts of Psalm 23 that I did not understand the meaning behind the words. So, I thought today, we would break down this Psalms, one line at a time, to give more context behind this beautiful piece of scripture.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. – Psalm 23:1
If you’ve read some of my other blog posts, I love to talk about the importance of rest or celebrating a Sabbath day. This verse really declares that the Lord makes us lie down at times for rest, recharging, and refueling. He also prepares the areas for us to rest in. He gives us time to rest with each sunset and sunrise. He provides peace to us with “still waters”. The Lord celebrates our work for His kingdom, and He provides for us time to find peace and rest.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. – Psalm 23:2
The Lord is and will be enough for us. Within our lives, most everything is temporary. Seasons change, jobs change, people will come and go. However, after everything else fades away when this world comes to an end, we will be with Jesus if we are saved in Christ. Our faith is what we get to take away. This verse is a beautiful reminder that our abundance comes from Christ. When we feel discontent or discouraged with our circumstances, let’s direct our eyes, ears, and hearts back onto who our Savior is and what He has already done for us.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3
Often, we can become stuck into thinking habits, questioning if we are on the “right” path, questioning our purpose, or questioning what’s next. We can wander just like sheep from pasture to pasture, trying to find “better grass”. We do not always appreciate the gifts or the blessings right in front of us. But, I find this verse to be a reminder that where you are, you are there for a purpose. And the Lord will guide you through it. Guiding you one step at a time, day by day.
Even 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. - Psalm 23:4
We can be comforted that during the hills and valleys of life, the Lord is always with us. He will protect us, guard us, love us, comfort us, and provide for us. We can always run back to Him, where He will be waiting with open arms to care for us.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. – Psalm 23:5
The Lord “prepares a table” for us by going before us in every situation. With the Holy Spirit living inside of us as believers in Christ, we have His Spirit guiding us in our walks. We can be calm, comforted, and resting at peace knowing that the Lord is working all things out for our good.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6
Dwelling makes me think of somewhere to live, find rest, and feel comforted. A place where you build a life as well as rest in the blessings of life. By dwelling in the house of the Lord, on the earth and after this life, we get to experience eternal satisfaction in the Lord. We are able to let go of temporary worries and set our minds on things above, that are long-lasting. Maybe this week as yourself, how can you incorporate more time or activities to be present and dwell with the Lord more?
I also wanted to share a lovely song about Psalm 23 if you need something new to listen to!
With love,
Claire
By Grace Through Faith 
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