Exodus 5:22-33, 6-7; Matthew 18:21-35, 19:1-12; Psalms 23: 1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23

Tonight, we’re going to do something a little different and instead of talking about the scripture as a whole, do a analysis of Psalm 23 line by line. I’m struck how each verse has it’s own meaning in and of itself, coming together to create one of the most beautiful and beloved chapters of the Bible. It is an absolute favorite for many, so in honor of that, we will take time to identify what the Lord may be highlighting to us in each verse along the way.

(1) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
The Lord cares for us as a shepherd would care for his sheep: watering, leading them to pasture, protecting and caring for them. We lack nothing because He provides everything. On another note, I lack nothing, so why does the world tell me I need the latest and greatest to be happy? Is it the lie of the enemy that I need anything more than what I have right now?

(2) He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
Calming, a nap in a beautiful field, a walk beside a gentle babbling streams. Peace, rest. He provides this peace. He provides physical rest.

(3) he refreshes my soul.
He is the one who I can rely on for mental and emotional refreshment and sustenance; He is the one with life-giving water. Only what the Lord provides is true sustenance to our spirit.

He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
He guides me because I am His child, and when I succeed, others will look to Him for that same guidance.

(4)Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
The world is a sinful place full of sinful people. There is evil in the world looking to destroy us physically and emotionally. But with our hope in our heavenly Father, we have nothing to fear. He is the one who holds every day of our lives in His hands. He is the one with the perfect plan for each day remaining.

    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
Again, our shepherd. He holds the tools of the trade and he’s not afraid to use them in our defense. He is our biggest defender, our ultimate protection. Knowing I will be cared for in calamity gives my soul comfort.

(5)You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me when the world does not. You uphold me when others look down on me or ridicule me.

You anoint my head with oil;
You prepare me and set me apart for your purpose.

    my cup overflows.
I am blessed beyond what can be measured or contained. I cannot express the deep well that is the Lord’s devotion to me.

(6)Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
As long as I am breathing, the Lord will treat me as His child, showing me his devotion, love, and blessing each and every day.

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.
And when I finally pass from this earth, I will not be gone, but I will be with the Lord in His home in heaven for the rest of eternity. Whew! What a promise!

Today I’d encourage to you ask the Lord which section of Psalm 23 he’s highlighting in your life, and pray into it! Why does this resonate with you? What emotions are brought up in your spirit? Ask the Lord what it would mean to live into Psalm 23 this next week, this next month, and what He is trying to teach you through it today. It’s amazing how even something so familiar and precise can have such a profound affect on our daily life.