Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is the Old Testament equivalent of Mat 6:33. In Mat 6:33 the requirement is spelt out: seeking the furtherance of The Kingdom of God and a deepening of the relationship we have with Jesus while in Psalm 23, this following of The Shepherd is understood as necessary for the receipt of the blessings the shepherd has for the sheep. Matt 6:33 also adds the requitement that the kingdom also is sought and not just the shepherd.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
With this statement the psalmist declares his complete trust on God as His provider in all things now and in eternity. He declares God is His ruler, provider and keeper.
He declares the Lord is His King and he will have all he needs to serve Him and for daily life and as God is the provider they will be provided in the best timing and the best way. One thing is certain. What thos sheep needs will be there when he needs it – not when he thinks he needs it.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
When we are in a correct relationship with Him and His authority there will be peace, contentment and all we need for life. It is when weI do not listen to Him that we have problems in daily living.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He king does not just care for the physical well being of the subject but for His spiritual side as well having guided this person out of an evil life style and restored the relationship with the King and ‘reviving’ the person through giving him hope of a better lifestyle under the protection of the king and restoring him to a relationship with the king so this better lifestyle is possible.
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.
The king can be trusted to provide no matter what the circumstances and because the sheep trust fully in the king and His provision they do no worry about whatever happens and are at peace in all circumstances. They also trust because the King is with them comforting them through His authority over the situation (rod and staff are symbols of authority and guidance)
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
No matter where the sheep are the enemy cannot stop the provision of the King for His subjects or their relationship with Him. They are always in relationship with their king having all they need provided for. In fact, when they are in the midst of His enemies doing His work He has a special regard for them and looks after them even more than when they are at peace and not fighting the enemy on His behalf.
This feast is symbolic of the communion feast we have with Jesus where we gather in fellowship with God and enjoy each others company.
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.
They know and affirm that the king will provide for their needs all the days of their life and the His mercy is such that as long as they try and obey Him do not rebel permanently against Him they are accepted by Him as His citizens.
The psalm is a song of trust in God, His nature, His protection and His provision - a declaration of faith and trust in God no matter whatever happens!
When all around you in the world is falling apart as God is judging it through nature and His enemies you can still have a joyful life at peace with God and self as well as have all you need to enjoy life. You may not have all you would like but you will have all you will need and as long as you are thankful and appreciative you will have all you will need to live a joyful lifestyle – not prosperous or easy but joyful – rejoicing in your relationship with God and at peace, no matter what happens because of your complete love and trust in your King.
This is our relationship we have with our King as His citizen.