The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even 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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my
head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD forever.
Who?– The Lord-He is with us and does not leave us- my shepherd
Through what?– Both Green pastures and valleys of death- in good times and bad times he is still with you…so that we dont get addicted to the grass nor do we drown in the fear
How? – He’s a loving father who disciplines us in love- his rod and staff are comforting not hurting. The shepherds ‘crook’ was used to bring straying sheep back into the path pulling on their legs…
What does he do?– Give us peace in the middle of the trouble. In the presence of the enemy he sits with you for dinner…so feel confident in that midst of that pain is where his peace is..so dont run away from that pain as you may run away from that great banquet.
Why? – For his names sake- to honour his promise he gives to every child of his. He is a father who can’t let his name down…and he is a jealous father who wants the best for his children.
How long?- All the days of your life…he will walk patiently with you. He will lead you and follow you as he can’t afford to loose you.
Where to?– To God..his House…that’s his ultimate purpose and aim for your life. And why he is with you at every step. So that ultimately you find your way home and dont get lost…and once there …it is an eternal life.
In summary In all phases of your life he walks with you holding your hands and finally leading you to His house not for your happiness alone but for His name sake. His glory and his honour is at stake not yours…So just give in and rest is His challenge not yours as he has more in you than you in him.
