Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This is not a psalm I would normally use for a blog post study, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the character of God recently, and this psalm kept coming to my mind. It is such a popular piece of scripture that I am running the risk of offending most of you by this analysis- so I’m asking you to forgive me in advance.
I have a tendency to look at the Bible as a whole, rather than as separate testaments, books and letters. To me, the written word of God is like a giant photograph that one has to back away- far, far away from to see the whole picture. I see the character of our Lord delineated in each story, His relationships are indicative of His plans, His press releases through the prophets, small images of His true nature, and as we get to know His word better- we become aware of His true nature.
At first glance this psalm looks like a wish list for faithful believers.
And that is why we read it in our darkest hours, holding on to these statements of safety and reassurance. I read it to to my loved ones as they lay dying. I read it and clung to what I thought were promises made to me as a believer.
BUT- and this doesn’t negate the comfort but seems to me to underline it- I don’t think this is about promises of comfort at all.
In fact, I don’t think it is about us at all.
Read it again, this time from the Message.
Psalm 23 (The Message)
Psalm 23
A David Psalm
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
This is about WHO God is. Not about me. Not even about David, except that David sees Who God is. Clearly, he recognizes that God is in control. He follows His lead, drinks from where He directs him and sleeps under His protection. David is not a lamb, but he was a shepherd , and he knows a real Shepherd when he sees one.
Try taking the focus off of yourself.
Try looking at the relationship we have with the Almighty from His point of view. Take a couple of steps back and look at the big picture.
I think this psalm is beautiful and comforting, but NOT just because it seems like it is full of safe places and good food!
Look at the beauty of our Lord.
Yes, It is about God.He is the great Shepherd and takes great care of his flock. I’m very thankful that I and the ones I love are a part of his flock.
I interpret this a little different to most people. I read “I shall not want” as a directive – I have been instructed not to want, not to crave/desire/envy more than the enormous bounty I’ve already been blessed with. When things look grim, I remind myself..”The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”
I like that- Celia- it is amazing how many ways we can see the word of God! It is always new and filled with opportunity, advice, comfort, support, and hope.
Using it as a directive certainly curtails that compulsion we have for more-more-more!