The new headlines give constant reminders that the world is unsafe and dangerous. At times, personal experiences affirm the fear. The fear can be debilitating. How do we deal with the tragedies or turbulent events in life? Where do we find strength to sail through the rough times? In times like this, reading Psalm 23 can be calming and give us strength and hope.
Commentary:
Psalm 23:1. This is a personal psalm. Each person trusting in Jesus Christ has a one to one relationship with the Lord. And each one is a sheep being led by our maker, who is the shepherd.
Let’s understand something about sheep. Sheep do not have the innate ability to defend themselves or to find food. Nevertheless, when a sheep has a master right beside him, he/she knows that things are going to work out fine.
Having God on our side is comforting. We do not know about tomorrow and what tomorrow will bring, but we are fine with tomorrow because our Lord will take care of us tomorrow.
Psalm 23:2. The sheep do not know where the green grass is and have no idea where the stream is located. They are still going to be okay because the master will lead them to the food source. Like sheep, every believer should know that our Lord will take care of our needs on earth. Therefore, we should have no worry about what we eat and what we dress, for we shall have no lack even in poverty.
Psalm 23:3. Here, the psalmist praised God for saving his life or his inner being. God not only saved him but also guided him on the path of righteousness. The two were implicitly linked. Living righteously was the only way to have life and to keep the sanity in the dangerous and chaotic world of David.
This is still true today. When Jesus Christ our Lord saves us, He saves us in two ways. First, He saves us from the penalty of sins. Then He saves us from sins. Sins and their consequence are inseparable; our Lord delivers us from both.
Psalm 23:4-5. There is no fear because you know that God is on your side always. Even as enemies look on, you are still able to accomplish what God wants you to have. That is an incredible feeling. It is exhilarating, comforting, and triumphant. This is what David refers to; the feeling that is echoed in most people when they know God is on their side. The problem is that we become fearful when we no longer feel his presence or guidance. When do we stop feeling God’s rod and staff?
God is always present. The problem is not him leaving you, but you leave the Lord. In your daily walk, you need to strive to keep up that spiritual connection with God. Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship are great ways to connect.
Psalm 23:6. When we love God, surely good things will happen in our life. The joy and peace promised by our Lord will always be there. The best thing, though, is to be able to go to heaven and to be in the presence of the Lord forever.
Meditation:
Everyone has a master. Some people say the master is God, some say themselves, and still others say their spouse. The question is how dependable is your master?
No master is dependable unless his name is Jesus Christ. Only He cares for us like a shepherd to his sheep. He is the only shepherd willing to lay down His life for His sheep. Are you following Jesus Christ and do you know His voice?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that You have given Your Son as Our Lord and Savior. We pray that we hear His voice and follow Him. We ask that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.