Slices
Prepare
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you something new from these well-known verses to encourage you.
Bible passage
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
Explore
Yet to be written in Abraham’s day, this psalm happens to reflect his life and legacy. It is all about God’s provision for, and God’s protection of, him and his descendants, concluding with the many blessings that God gives so generously and graciously (vs 5,6).
In Hebrew, David’s opening words refer to the Lord as his shepherd. He uses the covenant name of God to express the intimacy of the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. Jesus emphasises this, talking about knowing his sheep (John 10:27).
In verse 4 we are reminded that, whatever happens, the Good Shepherd (John 10:14) will protect us, using his rod – a symbol of his authority and the Word of God. His staff (or crook) demonstrates his compassion, guidance and care, which are emblematic of the role of the Holy Spirit. Following God’s way is not an easy option – it’s knowing that the Shepherd who gave his life for us is with us whatever happens and will never abandon us.
When a Christian friend of ours was dying, his daughter sat by his hospital bed and read Psalm 23 to him. As she finished, he passed into the presence of the Lord. How amazing that the last words he heard on earth were, ‘I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever’ (v 6)!
Respond
Read this psalm again, in a different version. Thank God that his provision and protection start in this life and continue into eternity!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 3,4; Matthew 19
Pray for Scripture Union
SU Laos gives thanks for the recent youth leader retreat. Pray that, as training on effective Bible reading ministry and leadership principles continues, these youth leaders will grow in their ability to lead others and to serve as strong examples of faith.
