Dissecting Psalm 23

February 21, 2013 Of all the promises and scriptures in the Bible the twenty third Psalm is the most all inclusive, encouraging and hopeful of any that I know. How powerful and meaningful is every word. “The” indicates there is one and only Lord, not one among many. “The Lord” comes from the Hebrew name, YHWY, Who is the sovereign of the universe. This Lord is my shepherd. “Is,” means a present and forever relationship, and indicates ownership. Is my shepherd. My good shepherd loves me as an individual. He guards me and protects me. He nourishes me and surrounds me with goodness. He is my provider of everything beneficial that I need (spirit, soul, & body). He makes me lie down in green pastures; with provision so appealing that I must rest and luxuriate in it. As I am spiritually thirsty, He leads me to the quiet and peaceful water that satisfies my spiritual thirst with Himself – “the Living Water.” When beaten down with “life” He restores my soul with hope and joy in Him. He guides me in paths that are right and good, not because I deserve it but because of His grace, love, mercy and for His name’s sake. His name is Jehovah Tsidkenu, our righteousness. He will never lead me in a wrong path. When I walk through the deep, shadowy valley of death, and when I am in peril, either physically or spiritually, I will not fear any evil, adversity or affliction because You are with me, (my Provider, Protector and Healer - that’s my Shepherd). Your rod (walking stick), which disciplines me in the way I should go, and Your staff of support keeps me from falling, when I lean on it. Both give me strength and wisdom to be trained by them. These bring me much comfort. My Shepherd prepares for me a table of abundance of peace, joy and security right in the midst of my enemies (all who would want to do me wrong or harm). He heaps His blessings on me even when my enemies are trying to destroy me. Surely, Your goodness and mercy will follow me, when I am in the right path, all the days of my life, and I will live in Your presence forever. So you see, I shall not want for anything because My Shepherd’s sufficiency is more than enough! (lightfrommywindow.blogspot.com)