Psalms 23:1 ¶ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 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.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 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.
"The Lord is my shepherd." In these words, the
believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor
of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With joy he reflects that
he has a shepherd, and that shepherd is Jehovah. A flock of sheep, gentle and
harmless, feeding in verdant pastures, under the care of a skillful, watchful,
and tender shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to the Shepherd
of their souls.
The greatest abundance is but a dry pasture to a wicked man,
who relishes in it only what pleases the senses; but to a godly man, who by
faith tastes the goodness of God in all his enjoyments, though he has but
little of the world, it is a green pasture. The Lord gives quiet and
contentment in the mind, whatever the lot is. Are we blessed with the green
pastures of the ordinances, let us not think it enough to pass through them,
but let us abide in them. The consolations of the Holy Spirit are the still
waters by which the saints are led; the streams which flow from the Fountain of
living waters.
Those only are led by the still waters of comfort, who walk in
the paths of righteousness. The way of duty is the truly pleasant way. The work
of righteousness in peace. In these paths we cannot walk, unless. God lead us
into them, and lead us on in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from
unbelief; an unsteady walk is the consequence: let us then simply trust our
Shepherd's care, and hearken to his voice.
The valley of the shadow of death may denote the most severe
and terrible affliction, or dark dispensation of providence, that the psalmist
ever could come under. Between the part of the flock on earth and that which is
gone to heaven, death lies like a dark valley that must be passed in going from
one to the other. But even in this there are words which lessen the terror. It
is but the shadow of death: the shadow of a serpent will not sting, nor the
shadow of a sword kill. It is a valley, deep indeed, and dark, and miry; but
valleys are often fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to
God's people. It is a walk through it: they shall not be lost in this valley,
but get safe to the mountain on the other side. Death is a king of terrors, but
not to the sheep of Christ. When they come to die, God will rebuke the enemy;
he will guide them with his rod, and sustain them with his staff. There is
enough in the gospel to comfort the saints when dying, and underneath them are
the everlasting arms. The Lord's people feast at his table, upon the provisions
of his love. Satan and wicked men are not able to destroy their comforts, while
they are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and drink of the cup of salvation which
is ever full.
Past experience teaches believers to trust that the goodness
and mercy of God will follow them all the days of their lives, and it is their
desire and determination, to seek their happiness in the service of God here,
and they hope to enjoy his love for ever in heaven. While here, the Lord can
make any situation pleasant, by the anointing of his Spirit and the joys of his
salvation. But those that would be satisfied with the blessings of his house,
must keep close to the duties of it.
Feel free to contact us; to let us know of your decision to follow
Christ, we shall be glad to hear from you.Plus, we shall send you a
free salvation package to help you begin your journey with Jesus.
Gifted Divine Christian Ministries
P.0.BOX 28894 K’la,Uganda
www.gifteddivineministries.wordpress.com
www.gifteddivine.blogspot.com
Tel: +256757772952
P.0.BOX 28894 K’la,Uganda
www.gifteddivineministries.wordpress.com
www.gifteddivine.blogspot.com
Tel: +256757772952