1–The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
God is my Lord. He may not be your Lord, but I have decided that He is the Lord of my life.
Not only is God my Lord, but He is my shepherd. Sheep are helpless animals that will wander into harm if not protected from themselves. I am more like a sheep than I would like to admit. There are many decisions that I need to make and many actions that I need to take that are beyond my ability to make the right choice. If I am left on my own, I will make the wrong choice more often than not. God will shepherd me as I live my life, helping and guiding me as I live. I will never been in need of anything that is a necessity of life and I will receive many things that are simply gravy.
2–He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
Since I am like a sheep, I many times do not know what is best for me. Just like the baby that is tired but fights sleep by crying, I have trouble knowing what is best for me, even if it is right in front of me. My Shepherd will make me lie down in the wonderful green grass of life. He knows that I do not like stormy waters, so He leads me by quiet pools. I am thankful that God knows what is best, even if I cannot recognize it and that He makes/leads me into the best for me.
3–He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
I remember years ago when I played football. In the first practices of the year, in the heat of the summer, I would get very tired and thirsty. Although I do not get to that point physically very often these days, I do get exhausted with the daily grind of life. God, my Shepherd, restores all aspects of my life. I am restored physically, mentally and spiritually.
Not only am I restored, God will lead me in His righteous ways. Why does He do this? One reason is that I benefit by walking in God's ways, His ways are protected ways. This is a good reason, but not the best. When I walk in God's ways, which is only accomplished through His work in my life, God is glorified. There is nothing better than bringing glory to God.
4–Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Everyone will experience the darks shadows of the valley. Sometimes the shadows are not so dark, but other times the darkness is so profound that you cannot see your hand if you place it in front of your face. What is the solution when you find yourself in the valley? Certainly being out of the valley is a solution, but the best solution that God is with you as you travel through the valley. There is nothing like knowing the One who restores your soul is right there with you.
Why is God's presence so important to those who make Him their shepherd? God has every tool at His disposal, as the shepherd has his rod and staff, to correct our ways and protect us from every danger. I take comfort knowing that God is present in my life and capable to guide and protect me.
5–You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
One of my favorite activities is coming home at the end of the day to a meal that has been prepared for me by my lovely wife. It helps that she is a great cook. Walking in the house that has all the smells generated during the preparation of the meal is like settling in a warm bed on a cold winter night. God prepares wonderful meals for me and He does it right in front of those who would cause me harm. God heals my diseases. God provides for me lavishly from His abundance.
6–Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
The life with God is not simply to know that He will take care of you in eternity. God desires to surround you with goodness, love, kindness and provision right now. I need to remember that God is taking care of me, especially when I have a bad day and complain, whine and moan about my life. It is the best to know that God will take care of me every day of my life and He will welcome me into His kingdom after my life is over.
Have you made God your shepherd? There is only one way to do this, it is through God's son, Jesus.
