God of Promise: Psalm 23's Invitation to Walk beside the Good Shepherd
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Everyday I sing The 23rd Psalm as a form of worship. I've been doing this for a long time now, and over time the Lord has revealed to me it's meaning. It is one of the most well-known and cherished passages of scripture, beloved by many. It offers a glimpse into God’s heart and how He promises to care for those who choose to follow Him. More than just a poem about comfort, Psalm 23 is a clear outline of the divine alternative God offers—a life lived in His presence, under His provision, protection, and guidance ultimately leading to our peace, comfort and joy.
Psalm 23:1-3 - The Shepherd’s Care
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
From it's beginning, David introduces God as the shepherd—a provider who makes sure we have no need unmet. This shepherd doesn’t lead us into chaos or calamity, but has us resting in "green pastures," places of abundance, safety, and peace. God’s provision is complete, and His care is personal. He doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves but actively leads us beside still waters, places of peace and rest, not turbulent or overwhelming environments. His guidance and provision are not random; they are a reflection of His name, His righteousness, and His desire for us to be aligned with His will, which is His goodness and mercy.
In John 10:14-15, Jesus reaffirms this role of the Good Shepherd, saying, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” He doesn't just care for us; He knows us intimately and sacrifices Himself to ensure we are protected and provided for.
Psalm 23:4 - Walking Without Fear
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Walking through the "valley of the shadow of death" symbolizes life’s darkest and most challenging moments. Sometimes, for many of my clients as well as myself, this has been the times where we had to walk out into the unknown where it seemed to be full of threats of violence, death or decay. Yet, even in these times, we are invited to walk with God, unafraid. When we are able to continue in what is the vision he has set out for us on His paths of righteousness, He reveals to us something incredibly powerful. Our faith in His ability to deliver us from any situation not only extinguishes fear it thwarts all attempts of the enemy. It is our faith He finds most beautiful and causes His face to shine upon us. As we are walking through these uncertain valleys we are still overcoming the old self, the one whose ways lead us astray in the first place. God’s rod and staff represent His guidance and protection through these times, not control and punishment. The rod was used by shepherds to ward off danger, while the staff was used to guide sheep back onto the right path. God’s correction and discipline are not to punish us but to protect us, to keep us on the path of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” God’s discipline is an act of love that ensures we are not led astray by our old ways but guided back to where He knows we will flourish. When we do as He has guided us to do, we follow His path of righteousness, it leads us to places we may not necessarily know how to conduct ourselves in. When we continue to seek His ways he reproofs us and reveals to us new patterns and ways of approaching our life.
Psalm 23:5 - Vindication and Overflowing Blessings
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse illuminates a profound truth: when we walk with God, even those who oppose us will witness His favor upon our lives. When we have followed His good shepherding, God doesn’t just provide for us in private; He prepares a table for us right in front of our enemies. To put it even more plainly, our haters are gonna watch us eat. Those who may have tried to harm or discourage us are forced to watch as God pours out His goodness on us and it's going to be delightful.
Being anointed with oil signifies being set apart and blessed. An anointing is The overflowing cup is a symbol of abundance, not just for us but for those around us. When God pours out His love and mercy into our lives, it doesn’t stop with us—it overflows to others. Romans 5:5 says, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This pouring out is continuous and overflowing, allowing us to extend the same love and mercy we have received to others. But this also raises a question for me, what types of anointings are there and who can even give these anointings?
Types of Anointing and Who Can Give It:
| Type of Anointing | Who Can Give It |
|---|---|
| Physical Anointing (with oil) | - Prophets (e.g., Samuel) |
| - Priests (e.g., Old Testament priests) | |
| - Elders of the church (James 5:14) | |
| - Mature believers (in the context of prayer and healing) | |
| Spiritual Anointing (Holy Spirit) | - God alone, through the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20-27, Acts 10:38) |
| - This is a direct gift from God that no human can control or bestow; only the Holy Spirit gives spiritual anointing. |
To learn more about anointings and "Chosen Ones," read Can an Anointing Be Taken Away? What an Anointing Is, Who Can Give It, and How It Functions.
What Is Required for Spiritual Anointing?
- Faith in Jesus Christ: All believers receive the Holy Spirit and thus receive an anointing from God (Ephesians 1:13-14). This is a universal spiritual anointing that comes through salvation.
- Purpose for Ministry: There are also special anointings for specific callings or ministries, such as teaching, preaching, or leadership, which God gives as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
- Obedience and Surrender: A deeper anointing for particular tasks often comes as a result of surrendering to God’s will and being obedient to His calling.
Psalm 23:6 - Pursued by Goodness and Mercy
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
God’s goodness and mercy aren’t just passive concepts; they actively pursue us. The word used for "follow" in this verse can be translated as "chase." God's goodness and mercy are not just hovering behind us; they are in active pursuit of our hearts, our minds, and our lives, desiring to bless us all the days of our lives.
The promise to dwell in the house of the Lord forever signifies not only an eternal relationship with God but also a present reality of being in His presence. Jesus tells us in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” There is a place for each of us in God’s kingdom, a place of eternal security, provision, and peace. But we don’t have to wait for eternity to experience this—His presence is available to us now as we choose to walk with Him.
Choosing the Shepherd’s Way
Psalm 23 is an invitation to let go of the burdens we carry and allow God to order our footsteps. When we choose to walk in His ways, we experience His promises of provision, protection, guidance, and blessings. The alternative—living outside of His presence—leaves us vulnerable, restless, and searching for peace in places that cannot satisfy.
As the Good Shepherd, God promises to take us where we are meant to be—places of rest, peace, and righteousness. Even in our darkest moments, His presence comforts and reassures us. By choosing His way over our own, we receive more than we ever imagined: blessings that overflow, the vindication of His provision in the face of opposition, and the pursuit of His goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.
For those tired of walking in their own strength, Psalm 23 offers a better way—God's way. A way filled with rest, protection, and everlasting peace. He is ready to lead us if we are ready to follow.