Psalm 23

[1] The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

The shepherd takes care of his flock, and I am his flock! I lack nothing because he sees to it that I’m not in need of anything I need in order to live!

[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

It is not I that simply lie down for being tired or lazy, the shepherd recognizes my need of rest and chooses the best place for me to do that, a soothing place where my soul can let go of the problems of the day, and be refreshed by the living waters of his Spirit.

[3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

It is not tap water or any other beverage that can make my thirst go away, but He himself as Jesus told the woman by Jacob’s well. I don’t go astray, He’s right there in front of me leading the way, this way I can trust Him.

[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.

Even when I can’t see what’s ahead of me I need not fear what lies ahead, around or below me because He’s there for me and with me. And even then, if fear strikes me, He’s reassuring me by his promises to comfort me in my distress.

[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

It is the Lord who lifts me up to a place of honor and gives me so much of his own blessings that I’m almost overwhelmed. He does so that my enemies may see his own glory in my life and respect me and magnify him.

[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 forever.

This is a certain promise, not something vague or unlikely to happen. The goodness and love of God will follow me like a parent follow his toddler who’s just taking his first steps. This is not come and go, this is a stay. We will live with him and He in us for eternity!