The 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and loved  psalm in the Bible. There are at least two reasons for this: it is written in a simple, clear way with most words of 2 syllables and a few with 3. This makes it easy to understand without leaving a lot of room for different views. Second, it has a deeply personal feel to it. Many times in this short psalm are the words I, me, my and mine used. The truths contained in this psalm are easy to apply directly to our lives. 

To know the joy of this psalm, we need a personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The presence and sacrifice of Jesus are made clear in Psalm 22, where He is portrayed as the One dying for our sins on the cross.

We know that the Great Shepherd in Psalm 23 is Jesus our Lord. This is easy to see in the Scriptures (Heb. 13:20-21). We also know that our Shepherd is mighty God Himself, the Great I AM (Ex. 3:14; John 8:58). (His identity is never more clear than in John 1:1-3).

Psalm 23 opens with the LORD is my Shepherd. It doesn’t say the Shepherd. This conveys a personal, one-on-one relationship with Him. We can say by faith what is said in a famous verse of the Old Testament: He is ours and we are His (Song 2:16). He is our King whose perfect rule will be established (Lk. 23:2-3).  

Only Jesus could be our Great Shepherd, who never slumbers or sleeps — but always keeps watch over us (Ps. 121:3-5). We are the sheep of His pasture (Ps. 100:3). We are His creation (Eph. 2:10). Because of His divine protection and care, we have no reason to want anything. We are to be content in our present circumstances (Phil.4:11-12).

Because of Jesus, we are free to “lie down in green pastures.” This gives us a picture of rest and contentment. A sheep will rest when it feels protected from its enemies, is not troubled by the activities of other sheep in the flock and is free from hunger. Our Lord provides such things for the asking when we cast our burdens on Him (Ps. 55:22; 1 Pet. 5:7). If we keep focused on Him, we shall feel His peace (Is. 26:3). Is this the experience we have in our own lives? 

In order to experience the “rest” written about in the second verse, we must remember WHO is our great Shepherd. With the LORD as our Shepherd & Helper, there is nothing to fear from anyone (Ps. 56:3-4; Is. 12:2). We must remember who it is that is to lead us. As sheep, it is all too easy for us to choose our own path and go our own way, possibly leading to harm or our own destruction. How does He lead us? He does so by His word (Ps. 119:105). If we meditate on His word, He will guide us on the right path. 

In verse 3, we read that He restores our soul. Not only does He make sure that our physical needs are taken care of, He also restores us spiritually. Pertaining to the second part of this verse, the King James Version Bible Commentary says the paths are “not rabbit trails to oblivion but are paths of pleasantness and peace” (Prov. 3:17). Once again we are reminded that it is He who should lead us to be sure we are on a path to righteousness and not one of our own destruction. 

In verse 4, we discover the Great Shepherd taking us through the valley of the shadow of death. Yet, as frightening as that may seem, we are to fear no evil because we are being led by the greatest Shepherd of them all, the Lord Jesus. The rod and staff are symbols of the shepherd’s office. They remind the sheep of the Shepherd’s rule as He guides them on a dangerous journey to a better pasture.

Verse 5 shows us that we can have perfect peace even in the presence of our enemies. There are 2 questions we might consider when we think about the table prepared: What is on the table and who is at the table? Put another way, we might think of food and fellowship. The food meets the needs of our souls, as reminded by our Lord. Only He can truly provide what we need (Jn. 6:35).

Who do we find at the table? First, our Lord Jesus — our great Shepherd. Second, there are those of us who are lost sheep, found by Him and redeemed. The table is a place where food is shared. Often food is shared by people in fellowship with each other. Jesus uses the idea of sharing meals together to remind us to keep fellowship with Him and each other (Rev. 3:20; Jn. 21:17).

Thou anointest my head with oil. Shepherds would carry a flask of oil and apply it to the scratched faces of their sheep who would get injured looking for food among thorns and thistles. Jesus often provides us healing on our journey. Anointing often infers blessing (Ps. 45:7;  92:10; Ecc. 9:8). Our cups may run over as we are continually filled to overflowing with the hope provided by the Spirit of God (Ro. 15:13).

In the 6th and final verse, we are offered absolute assurance that the graces of goodness and mercy will follow us all of our lives  and we will be with Him forever. This is the prayer of Psalm 27:4. We are assured that He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). He will come for us! (Jn. 14:2-3)

It seems appropriate in this period of time, with everything going on in our country right now, to reflect on the only real security we have — that which we have been graciously granted by God.

Thinking about this, I turned to Psalm 91. The King James Study Bible says the keyword to describe this psalm is ‘security.’ That would be hard to argue as we start reading this psalm.

Several terms that refer to security are given in this psalm: shelter, shadow and refuge. Beginning in verse 3, the psalmist plainly tells us that the Lord protects us from danger. That will become evident as we delve into this sacred masterpiece.

The KJV Study Bible also has an interesting footnote that states there are two distinct voices in this psalm: one which assures the faithful of God’s protection and the second one is the Lord Himself, pledging His care in verses 14-16.

Because there are some similarities with Psalm 90, some think the author was Moses. However, there are also similarities with Psalms 27 and 31, some think it was David. Regardless of the human hand, we [as believers] know the true author was the Holy Spirit. G. Campbell Morgan calls this psalm “one of the greatest possessions of the saints.” Spurgeon says there is “not a more cheering psalm” and speaks of its nobility. Martin Luther called it “the most distinguished jewel among all the psalms of consolation.”

Ps. 91:1-2. While this is a great promise of blessing to believers, it does not necessarily apply to all believers. A believer must dwell “in the secret place” and be willing to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. What does it mean to abide? Literally, the Hebrew signifies it is ‘to pass the night,’ implying a continuous or constant dwelling, not just a temporary visitation during some trouble or calamity (Nelson KJV Commentary). A famous preacher of the 19th century has this to say about the “secret place of the Most High” and believer’s use of it: “Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.” (Spurgeon)

Spurgeon points out that the idea of the “Shadow of the Most High” implies great nearness, as one would need to be very near to another to fall under their shadow. I think it is always prudent to ask ourselves if we are living in nearness to God or have we strayed far away?

Scripture speaks of the shadow of the Almighty in 4 ways:
• The shadow of the rock (Isa. 32:2).
• The shadow of the tree (SS 2:3).
• The shadow of His wings (Ps. 63:7).
• The shadow of His hand (Is. 49 :2).

Frequently, the Psalms claim that God is our refuge and He is trustworthy (18:2; 144:2; 31:6; 55:23; 56:3; 61:4). It is of little meaning to simply say He is our refuge and fortress if we don’t first ask for and use the faith that He will give us.

Ps. 91:3-4. Now we discover how God brings His protection, comfort and care. First, He rescues us from the traps that Satan and the world like to set for us (Ps. 124:6-8). As Spurgeon says, “we are foolish and weak as poor little birds.” The “fowler” works in secret, changes his traps and methods often so that his prey does not get wise, also entices with pleasure or profit and often uses decoys in an attempt to confuse us.

Ps. 91:5-6. What about the ‘terror’ of the night? Sometimes during the night, we are presented with the opportunity to overthink things and dwell on those frightening, unpleasant thoughts that could bring us to a state of absolute despair, separating us from God. Once again, here are Spurgeon’s thoughts concerning the matter: “our fears turn the sweet season of repose into one of dread…” The only way to overcome such fears is to have a close communion with the Lord. Throughout scripture, time and again, we are told that He will deliver us in times of trouble (Job 5:19).

Whether by day or night, terror can strike in many different forms. Arrows, pestilence– they serve to illustrate that terror can come in many different ways.

Ps. 91:7. We are once again reminded that the Almighty is our shield and strength. No harm can befall us unless He allows it. Although we may feel overwhelmed at times, God is SOVEREIGN.

Ps. 91:8. Sometimes it seems like the wicked people of this world get away with everything. Asaph felt this way (Ps. 73:3-5). Persistence in faith will reveal the true end of such evil and the benefit of being a part of God’s family. Asaph realized this (Ps. 73:23-28).

Ps. 91:9-10. The Bible has much to say about taking refuge in the LORD and depicting God as our refuge (2 Sam. 22:2-3, 31, 33; Ps. 2:12; 5:11; 7:1). Note: the KJV and NKJV both render ‘taking refuge’ as putting trust in.

A person will not usually attempt to take refuge where there isn’t any trust. The blessings of God are not automatic. They require some action on our part. While we can do nothing ourselves to achieve salvation, in order to feel the assurance of His protection and care, we must make the LORD our ‘habitation.’ Once we strive for that, we will know the blessing and witness the justice of Proverbs 12:21.

Ps. 91:11-13. One of the many blessings of being an heir to the kingdom is the service of angelic beings (ministering spirits) who serve us as the LORD sees fit (Heb. 1 :14). With their assistance, we can conquer any threat this world puts in our path. “Over force and fraud shalt thou march victoriously” (Spurgeon).

Ps. 91:14-16. In these last few verses, we see that a believer’s trust in God pays off. Not just the angels of God, but He Himself will help us directly. It has been noted that these last two verses are not spoken by God’s people, but to God’s people by the LORD Himself.

Setting your love on God isn’t just simply a matter of waiting for a feeling to come, it involves making a choice to think and act toward God in “ways that express and build love” (David Guzik). He goes on to write that these ways include spending time with God, listening to God, reading what He has written to us, speaking to God, thinking of God in unoccupied moments, adoring God, speaking of God to others, giving to God and making glad sacrifices to Him and for Him (Enduring Word Commentary). When we do, we can experience the bounty of His loving protection and care (Isa. 43:2).

O Lord , you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. -Psalms 139:1-3 NRSV

Think about it – He knows ALL about us, yet He loves us with an unparalleled love! No secrets. No need for them.

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord ! May your hearts live for ever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord ; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. Psalms 22:26‭-‬27 RSV

The day is coming when God will be treated with the respect He is due! Don’t lose heart, His word is true!

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NIV

That’s not really asking a lot, when you consider what He did for us that are called by God into His family. Scripture is replete with statements indicating that we must be “all in” or we are out. The concept of “easy believism” must be exposed for the incredibly harmful false doctrine that it is.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.15.13.KJV

As believers, we need to be ever mindful of the fact that we have a hope the world does not have. They don’t, because they choose not to. Thank God for His mercy and grace, for He has given us a choice.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalms 100:4‭-‬5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.100.4-5.NKJV

Its important to give Him thanks in all things now more than ever, with our entire world in [what seems to be] more turmoil than ever!

Are you thankful today? My hope and prayer is that your answer is a resounding yes!

He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. -Luke 11:2 NIV

One of the most common mistakes the people of God can make when talking about others who are not Christians is that they are “children of God.” I’m sorry to say that it is simply not true. They are part of His creation, but they are not His children.

The Bible does not say that there are many paths to God. It does tell us that there is one God and one mediator between God and people, Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5).

Before anybody accuses me of being elitist and claiming membership in some exclusive club, let me make this known: His family is open to you — if you answer His call. The adoption fee has already been paid by Jesus. All we must do is exercise faith in Him and what He has done for us. Are you in the family? Would you like to be?

In fact, a study of the Old Testament will not reveal any instance of the Hebrews referring to God as “Father.” Although many names and terms are offered for God, Father is never one of them. It is not until the advent of Jesus Christ that we are introduced to the possibility of Almighty God as our loving, personal Father. Loving, yes — but not as our Father.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” -Romans 8:15 NIV

The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. -Nahum 1:3 NIV

Sometimes it seems like ‘justice’ will never be served — as we understand it. But, if you think about it, it’s a good thing that God is slow to anger!

A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. Proverbs 29:23 HCSB

So often in my life I have been troubled by some issue and also have spent countless hours worrying about how I am going to deal with whatever it is before taking it to the LORD in prayer. What is that about? Simple. Pride.

From the days of Adam and Eve and their fall in Genesis until the present, mankind has used pride as a barrier to God and to fail bringing Him the glory He deserves. Pride caused Cain to murder his brother. Pride caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery. Pride caused Saul to feel threatened by David and relentlessly try to kill him. Pride caused the disciples to argue over who would be greater in the kingdom of God (Lk. 9:46). In every case, pride caused harm to the individual and inevitable humbling to all who came under its control.

Let us all pray that our pride will be recognized by us and not get in the way of the Holy Spirit on our lives as believers!