VERSE:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Commentary:
The Lord is my shepherd. In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With joy he reflects that he has a shepherd, and that shepherd is Jehovah. A flock of sheep, gentle and harmless, feeding in verdant pastures, under the care of a skilful, watchful, and tender shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to the Shepherd of their souls.
The greatest abundance is but a dry pasture to a wicked man, who relishes in it only what pleases the senses; but to a godly man, who by faith tastes the goodness of God in all his enjoyments, though he has but little of the world, it is a green pasture. The Lord gives quiet and contentment in the mind, whatever the lot is. Are we blessed with the green pastures of the ordinances, let us not think it enough to pass through them, but let us abide in them. The consolations of the Holy Spirit are the still waters by which the saints are led; the streams which flow from the Fountain of living waters. Those only are led by the still waters of comfort, who walk in the paths of righteousness.
The way of duty is the truly pleasant way. The work of righteousness in peace. In these paths we cannot walk, unless. God lead us into them, and lead us on in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from unbelief; an unsteady walk is the consequence: let us then simply trust our Shepherd's care, and hearken to his voice.
The valley of the shadow of death may denote the most severe and terrible affliction, or dark dispensation of providence, that the psalmist ever could come under. Between the part of the flock on earth and that which is gone to heaven, death lies like a dark valley that must be passed in going from one to the other. But even in this there are words which lessen the terror. It is but the shadow of death: the shadow of a serpent will not sting, nor the shadow of a sword kill. It is a valley, deep indeed, and dark, and miry; but valleys are often fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. It is a walk through it: they shall not be lost in this valley, but get safe to the mountain on the other side. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ. When they come to die, God will rebuke the enemy; he will guide them with his rod, and sustain them with his staff. There is enough in the gospel to comfort the saints when dying, and underneath them are the everlasting arms.
The Lord's people feast at his table, upon the provisions of his love. Satan and wicked men are not able to destroy their comforts, while they are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and drink of the cup of salvation which is ever full. Past experience teaches believers to trust that the goodness and mercy of God will follow them all the days of their lives, and it is their desire and determination, to seek their happiness in the service of God here, and they hope to enjoy his love for ever in heaven. While here, the Lord can make any situation pleasant, by the anointing of his Spirit and the joys of his salvation. But those that would be satisfied with the blessings of his house, must keep close to the duties of it.
Prayer:
Our Almighty and Merciful God, we come once again this day before You giving You all the Thanks and Praising that wonderful name of Christ Jesus. We Thank You Lord and Savior, for Your wondrous Word, which makes it possible for us to know You as our Creator, our Savior. Thank You Lord. Dear Savior, Thank You for Your suffering and dying for us on Calvary's cross. We Thank You for taking the guilt, the curse, and the punishment for our sins. We Thank You for Your victory over the grave and all it brings to us. we Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect substitution. Lord we love You, and we need You to now help us fully appreciate the Blessings we have because of Your death and resurrection. Help us Precious Lord and Savior, demonstrate our thankfulness by our actions and service--not just our words. Help our actions direct others to You, their Savior. Heavenly Father, Thank You for all Your gifts and graces of this day. we don't deserve them. Because of Your mercy alone You have given us many Blessings. Thank You. We can't begin to Thank You enough for Your goodness, please accept our feeble Thank You--it is sincere. Father God, please continue to shower your love upon us, because of what Christ Jesus has done for us, for by Your Word, we believe, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." "For such is God, our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death." "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Thank You Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, Thank You. O Bless That wonderful name of Christ Jesus.
Lord You know what each and everyone of us Your children stand in need of, and we profess this day that You have supplied all of our needs. Thank You Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, Thank You.
We proclaim that these things are already done, having Prayed, asking them in the Holy and Mighty, Powerful name of Christ Jesus.
Amen
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