Psalm 23

For our family cruise in September 2007 Dad asked each of the men in the family to prepare a devotional so they could each take one night and lead devotions.

In going through some documents on the computer I found the devotional Mike prepared. I love finding things like this. It just makes my heart smile.

------------------------------

Psalm 23 – God as our Protector and Provider in Life

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

• We are His sheep
• I know the Lord will care for me – we commit our needs to Him
• Jesus was speaking to the people of Bethany in Matthew 21:22 ~ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

• God creates situations, eagerness and desires.
• The water refreshes us – experienced by David in Psalm 42:1 ~ As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

• The Lord leads us slowly, straight and with purpose
• Jesus addressing the crowds in Matthew 11:28 -- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest
• Slowly: The shepherd maintains a pace for us to walk with Him
• Straight: He will not lead us astray
• Purpose: He does not waste time or energy
• For His name’s sake: We can depend on God to do what He promised

4Yea, 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.

• You’ve heard the phrase: “He or she is scared of their own shadow”
• We imagine the worst and not the best
• In John 8:12 -- Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
• Fear: We don’t know what will happen. We do know that He will provide our needs.
• Comfort: Our daily walk with Christ. The rod protects us and the staff directs us by tending to His flock.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

• Preparest: refers to a continuous action. The Lord prepares food daily because we get hungry daily.
• Enemies: To show God’s daily provision and care
• Oil: The valued guest received the best seat at the table – and honored with oil for healing
• Cup: Abundance in our salvation
• The psalmist writes in Psalm 116:13 – I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

• Goodness: He loves us – keeps us in His fold
• Paul in his letters to the Romans 2:4 - Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
• Mercy: He offers forgiveness and grace
• Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 -- This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
• Dwell: Enjoying God’s presence and protection with peace and security

In conclusion: I personally want to ask for forgiveness of anything that I may have said or action performed. I love you all as my family.