Him BookSample

READ Psalm 23:1-6.

I SHALL NOT WANT. David lived his early days running from Saul who was trying to kill him. David saw many die in battle and had buried children. He made terrible mistakes, committing adultery and conspiring to murder. His son, Absalom, led a rebellion against him. Yet, David likened God to a good shepherd, providing for all his needs (“green pastures” and “still waters”).

The Middle East was rocky with great distances between grasses, so shepherds would lead sheep from place to place and dam up water to create pools for drinking. Shepherds would also care for injured sheep by binding their wounds. Similarly, God mended David’s heartaches over time (v. 3). Not only that, God led David in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Like the shepherd who points the sheep to a secure path, God provides the path to true life. God does so for His name’s sake. For the sake of His reputation, God can be trusted to point us toward righteousness.

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL. We will face dark valleys (v. 4) - deaths of loved ones, illnesses, broken relationships, financial struggles, natural disasters. Yet, it is possible to live without fear because God is with us each and every step. We can be confident that our Shepherd, the eternal Lord, will never leave us. Derek Kidner says, “Only the Lord can lead a man through death; all other guides turn back, and the traveller must go on alone.”

I SHALL DWELL. In verses 5-6, David pictures God as a host who invites us to His table as honored guests (anoint my head with oil) and provides an abundance of fellowship with Him (my cup overflows). David does not experience this kind of fellowship with God only after death. David enjoys its beginning in the present (dwell in the house of the Lord forever). God’s mercy and goodness are with us even in the midst of difficulty. We can remember the character of the One who provides for us even in life’s valleys, even in the presence of enemies. Jesus invites us now to dwell with Him forever (John 14:1-6).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for pursuing me with your goodness and mercy. May I trust in Your care and have fellowship with you through all the valleys of my life. Amen