Studies 7

Psalm 23 - 7

Verse 1 the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. The word Lord here means Jehovah. This is the name of relationship and covenant. God is always worshipped as Jehovah our Eternal God. One cannot worship Him without a relationship through the covenant. That covenant is the work of the cross.
Secondly it also means that he is the God of might, nourishment, bounty and blessings.
The Lord is my shepherd that makes God very personal. In the old days The Israelites would refer to God, as our God, forgetting that the God of Israel is also the God of individuals.
For that reason the Psalm 23 is popular because it permits each believer to takes its words on his lips and express in gratitude and confidence that all demonstrations of God’s love and covenant are his, too.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, since I am (we as) the sheep of His pasture and am (are) completely dependent on Him. I will have no lack because my shepherd will:
Provide all my needs, Philippians 4:19,
Feed me, Psalm 34:10
Protect me, Psalm 34:7
Leads me, guides me and instructs me, Psalm 32:8
He takes care of me (us) by washing me with His word and clothing me with His righteousness, John 13:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Who is this shepherd and what is His name?
His name is Jesus.

Jesus said, I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep
John 10:11.
The good shepherd calls (me) by my name and leads me (them) verse 2
He said, my sheep knows Me and recognize My voice, verse 3
He said, no one will snatch them out of My hand, verse 28

What a caring shepherd, do you want Him?
He is not only the good shepherd but the great shepherd, Hebrews 13:20 The chief shepherd 1 Peter 5:4verse 2, He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters.
He loves me so much, that he even allows me to lie down in green pastures, and where all my needs are met. I am fed there with plenty and I have plenty.
Green pastures are the promises of God, the good shepherd, on which I (we) stand and rely upon. We/I draw my /our strength and faith from it.
He leads me beside the still waters. After He has fed me, He leads me beside the still waters, where my soul is satisfied by drinking from the living waters.
Still waters are the promises of the Holy Spirit and it is Jesus the good shepherd who leads me to the Holy Spirit. He said in John 7:37
Since the Lord is the good shepherd and we are his sheep, not frightened to follow, but obedient followers, knowing that He will lead us in the right places and in the right ways.
Verse 3, He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.
He restores my soul, when I am under stress, depressed, sick, sad, lonely and close to death, it is the good shepherd who restores my health.
He leads me for His name’s sake. In every area and circumstances of my life He is very close and ever present with me and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.

Verse 4, Yea, 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.
And even in the most darkest and trying hour of death He walks with me through the valley of the shadow of death and brings me safe to my eternal home. I will fear no evil; for though are with me; all the fears of death are overcome by His presence. the Good Shepherd is bound by His name to be present with His people.
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. The rod and staff symbolize His presence. The shepherd’s rod is for our defense and “the staff”, for guidance and discipline. The Bible tells us, for the Lord disciplines those whom He loves and scourges every son whom he receives.
Hebrews 12:5-8

Verse 5, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
My shepherd will provide all your needs in the presence of those who are jealous of you and will anoint you to be strong and unique for His service. Your cup will run over, your life will be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witness.

Verse 6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Goodness and Mercy are the ministries of the Lord for all those who will follow Him; these ministries will follow us all through our life. And we will dwell in the house of the Lord not as guests but as Sons and Daughters.