Psalms 15; 23; 24-25; 47: When I read Psalm 23 I can’t help but picture a young shepherd sitting on the hillside watching his sheep thinking about how He is cared for as his precious sheep. I wonder as he watched his sheep if he was thinking how good God is to allow him too feel peace as God cared for his every need. His word picture of green pastures and still waters are the simple shepherds way to say, I have no needs that the Father hasn’t met. His statement “He restores my soul” may have been his heart at rest from prey and dangers of weather. After sleepless nights and anxious days when much could go wrong he was possibly lounging truly resting and being revived. Thus his heart might be thinking back to those dangerous times in the valley of the shadow of death when he was anxiety laden and yet God’s rod and staff, the shepherds very tools and weapons were a reminder of the father’s defense and refuge. The shepherd did not fear the evil that lurked because God had been with him and His presence has been a weapon of protection.
As the shepherd looked around he must have thought about predators not just of the animal variety but human as well. Thus his comment about God preparing a table for him in the midst of his enemies. In David’s earlier days those “enemies” could have been his jealous brothers or even other shepherds that thought he got too much attention. As he aged, maybe it was even Saul or other enemy combatants. No matter who he was referencing, David knew God’s gift of provision even in the hardest of times. I love how he ended with thanksgiving in how his cup ran over with blessings. He knew that goodness and mercy would follow him all of the days of his life because of His relationship with The Shepherd.
How about you? You may not get all of the nuances of a shepherd, but have you seen God’s provision, His defense on your behalf, His presence as a guide and comfort? Have you known the security of His plans for you. This Psalm is a reminder that what David experienced we can too. We can know this peace. It is a matter of recognizing His abiding presence with us and celebrating His daily gifts. May you know this peace, comfort and joy.