The Lord Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the

paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of

death, I will fear no evil: for they rod and thy

staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the

presence of mine enemies: thou anointest

my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the

house of the Lord for ever.

It is so beautiful how our Shepherd takes care of us providing everything we need so we will not want for anything. Our Shepherd will leave the ninety-nine to go after one who has gone astray.

He makes us to lie down in green pastures and this is a very cozy place because the grass is so soft beneath us. We become content and this becomes a secure place for us where we can find rest. He has led us here to show us that just as the grass flourishes so will we.

He leads us to still waters where it is quiet and peaceful. This is our place of refreshment.

It is cool here and a place where we find new strength and energy.

He restores our soul reviving us and refreshing our spirit. He gives us new strength and energizes us filling us with power to become more active.

He leads us on the path of righteousness. As we follow the Shepherd he leads us to a place where we will be safe and secure. This is a place for our well being and we will be prosperous. By prosperous I mean we will conform to doing God's will honoring the Lord for His name's sake.

The valley of the shadow of death is extremely dark and dangerous, but we need not fear. For thy rod which is an instrument of authority used for counting, guiding, rescuing, and protecting. Thy staff is an instrument of support, reassurance, and comfort. ( I hope you remember this when you are going through a dark time).

A table will be prepared for us and this is a banquet where we are the honored guest. We will come together at a full table filled with bounty and blessings.

As the honored guest it is customary to have your head anointed with oil. This is how we will be welcomed in and it will be a time of rejoicing. Our cup will be filled until it overflows with blessings.

Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days as we live the house of the Lord forever.