THE SHEEP’S PSALM

As a SHEPHERD seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered SHEEP, so will I seek out MY SHEEP, and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day – Ezekiel 34:12 (NKJV).

Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted and memorized passages of the Bible. It is actually the SHEEP’S PSALM: the sheep affirming the blessings of His Shepherd. It stands in sharp contrast with Ezekiel’s woeful records of the shepherds of Israel. David in Psalm 23 presents a simple yet grand declaration of God as his Shepherd giving ten examples among the array of His blessings and provisions.

My Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures. He provides REST and proper NOURISHMMENT when I’m tired and hungry. JESUS is the Bread of Life that came from heaven to nourish our destinies.

My Shepherd leads me beside quiet waters. He quenches my thirst and meets my need for PEACE and REFRESHMENT when I’m stressed. JESUS is the living water that wells up to eternal life and spills out in rivers to refresh the souls of others.

My Shepherd restores my soul. He provides RESTORATION when I’m down and discouraged. He “reboots my system”! The consequence of rest and refreshment is a restored soul.

My Shepherd leads me in paths of righteousness. He provides DIRECTION and PURPOSE when I’m confused or lost. He directs us in paths that bring Him the greatest glory and others the greatest good.

My Shepherd is with me everywhere and always. He addresses my fears in times of trial, darkness and even the shadow of death. He provides courage when I encounter deep darkness and danger. His Presence and Purpose eliminate fear!

My Shepherd comforts me with His rod and staff. He provides DISCIPLINE, GUIDANCE, and PROTECTION when I tend to wander. He uses His staff to ward off predators and to direct or discipline me when I am wayward.

My Shepherd prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He addresses my need for AFFIRMATION and HONOUR. He not only provides supply of food, but prepares a banquet just for me! I can sit down in safety and eat even though surrounded by danger.

My Shepherd anoints my head with oil until my cup runs over. He continually and abundantly cares for me. The anointing oil keeps pesky flies (demons) away and is a symbol of honour and acceptance.

My Shepherd pursues me with GOODNESS and MERCY all my days. His goodness and mercy pursue me and would never fail all of my days on this earth.

My Shepherd invites me to live in His house forever. He promises me a place in His Presence throughout eternity. I not only have contentment and hope for the present, but assurance of SECURITY and continued relationship with Him in ETERNITY

Beloved, it is good but not sufficient to know the twenty-third Psalm and to be able to quote it well. The question is: do you know the Shepherd of the twenty-third Psalm? Are you truly His sheep? Is the LORD the very Shepherd of your soul?