The Lord in his incomparable wisdom and divine sovereignty chooses to bring us through valleys. In such times we feel alone and weak, confused. We don’t usually see the other side, the light at the end when we are in the midst of the struggle. Still, we look to the Lord in prayer. We look to the Lord by digging into his Word. We seek help, encouragement, and guidance from brothers and sisters in Christ. We need help because we are at the end of ourselves. Psalm 23 provides hope and encouragement for us in such times. It provides hope and encouragement for living people who are believers.
In Psalm 23, David declares that the Lord being a part of his life changes everything. Regardless of what he faces, the Lord provides for him and sustains him. Yahweh is David’s shepherd. This is a very personal statement. The Lord ensures that David lacks nothing. We know that God does not give us everything that we want. He does provide for our needs. In the midst of the valley, David’s relationship with the Lord does not change. In the midst of the valley, your identity as a follower of Christ does not change. He is your shepherd. You are his sheep.
David’s needs are provided for by the LORD (2-3).The Lord provides a place of nourishment and rest for his people. Green pastures are a place for sheep to feed which is beneficial for them. It didn’t happen without work. A shepherd had to clear the land to prepare it for the sheep. Allen Ross writes, “The psalmist is saying that the LORD meets his spiritual needs – and in the process gives him the very best. As grass would be food for the sheep, the word of the LORD would be provision for the ‘hungry’ spirit.”[1]
God is faithful as our shepherd to replenish us and guide us, even in the midst of our troubles (3). The LORD restores my soul. Some think this refers to God restoring a believer to fellowship with him after sinning, repenting, and confessing sin to him (1 John 1:9). Likely this refers to the Lord restoring the soul of the believer, that is, to renew strength, renew spiritual vibrancy. He refreshes us when we are weak or downcast. Psalm 19:7 speaks of God’s Word reviving our souls. If our downcast souls are the result of sin, then yes, we should repent and confess our sins to him (Ps. 32; 51).
Brothers and sisters, no matter the circumstances you are in, the LORD of all the earth is with you if you know Christ. Uncertainty troubles us. Danger scares us. No matter the uncertainty, no matter the danger, the LORD does not flee. He will remain faithful to accomplish the good work that he began in you (Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 2:8-10). He will never forsake you (Heb. 13:5). No one can snatch you out of his hand (John 10:27-30). Nothing can separate you from God’s love in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:31-39). Your soul is secure in the Savior. You are not alone.
Verse five shifts from the imagery of a shepherd and sheep to the imagery of a host and an honored guest. God prepares a table before his servant (5). This abundant provision is offered in the presence of David’s enemies. In this culture, it was the duty of the host to provide for and protect his honored guest. This speaks of God providing for his servant’s needs, even while his enemies are still present. The Lord does not always remove the trouble, at least not right away. The LORD causes David’s cup to overflow. He has more than enough. God has filled his life with good things. He is walking through a valley of deep darkness and his God provides for his needs.
The Lord’s favor is with his servant (6). Since we know the Lord, his goodness and faithful love (חֶסֶד) will be with us. Our God is causing all things that come into our lives to work together for our good (Rom. 8:28-29). The verb translated here as “shall follow me” (רָדַף) has the idea of “to pursue.” God’s goodness and faithful love will pursue us as his covenant people all of our lives. No matter what the allows, no matter how painful, no matter how hard, God’s goodness and faithful love will pursue us (Ps. 36:7-10; 2 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:18). When David says he will dwell in the house of the LORD forever, he was speaking of the Tabernacle. There was no Temple during his lifetime. Solomon, his son, built the Temple. The thought being conveyed is the servant of the LORD will enjoy God’s presence eternally. He will pursue the LORD because God’s servant desires his fellowship. As New Covenant Christians, we have the hope of dwelling in the presence of the LORD eternally because of our salvation in Christ. Christ is our hope (Phil. 3:20-21).
Christians, the LORD being a part of our lives changes everything. Regardless of what we face, the Lord provides for us and sustains us. As I said earlier, Psalm 23 is for living people. It is for people who know the Lord. If you know him, he is with you, in a faithful covenant relationship, no matter how hard the circumstance. The Lord will remain faithful to you, provide for you, and abide with you until the end. The key question is, “Is the LORD your shepherd”? If he is not your shepherd, this Psalm cannot be a comfort to you. How can you know the LORD as your shepherd? Acknowledge your sin to him and ask his forgiveness. Believe that Christ died for your sin and rose again from the dead to save you. Confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior. Then, and only then, is the LORD your shepherd.
[1] Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms, Vol. 1. (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2011), 561.