40 INSPIRING Days in Ps-Prov - 40

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 INSPIRING Days in Psalms & Proverbs
Day 40 | THE MOST FAMOUS PSALM
THE MOST FAMOUS PSALM

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 the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy 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.”


This is undoubtedly the most familiar Psalm in the Bible.
 
The picture it paints shows a shepherd leading his flock of sheep and caring for all their needs. I’m sure most readers of this have heard many sermons and teachings on this Psalm and yet, it still comforts, guides and gives peace to the reader.

I personally have quoted this Psalm countless times in church, at a hospital bedside, to a disturbed friend, to family, to a person who was dying, and more. And Psalm 23 never fails to move those listening.

It pictures us as sheep with the Great Shepherd (Yahweh) leading us to green pasture (our favorite food) and still waters (the safest kind). Then, our souls get restored as he continues to lead us (both of which we need immensely).
 
Even at times of death, He will guide and care; thus, we need not be afraid. As His followers, we know what is ahead is way better!

Then I picture an enormous banquet table with all kinds of goodies, yet surrounded in the distance by enemies who are not invited and can’t attend the banquet.

Finally, we have more goodness and mercy than we can handle in life and ultimately will dwell with our Lord forever in heaven.

Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, let this be; we long for the day.  Amen.
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