The 23rd Psalm Deconstructed
23 1 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
Sheep easily get lost and aren’t very smart or picky about what they follow. But this verse changes that perception of sheep - you are wise to let God be your Shepherd. Human sheep also wander off, follow most any impulse and are not very smart without God’s help.
2-3 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.
When you walk with God, you can find peace when things around you are not peaceful, even in war. He teaches you in the ways you learn best. When you are weak, he lends you strength. When you let the Good Shepherd lead, you can live an honorable and joyful life.
4 Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
Except for teenagers and adrenaline junkies, humans fear death and terror. It can be an objective danger or subjective danger. This verse says God is worthy of your trust in navigating this life. He guards and directs you as his staff and rod push danger away from your side.
5 You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!
God promises to provide the physical and emotional needs of his people. He sees to it you have food, shelter, family, work and love. If there be a few or many around who don’t like it, he is with you at all times providing his favor and blessings as you walk with him.
6 Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.
As you walk with God, you find goodness and unfailing kindness, a kind of which few humans are capable. An angry, punitive God looking to find mistakes in all you do is not how he works. A beautiful relationship with God is yours to keep in this life and the next.
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