Another perspective of Psalms 23. 

We typically associate Psalms 23:1-6 with the loss of a loved one. It is a common verse printed on the memorials that are distributed at funerals. However, let’s take a closer view and we will see there is so much more to take from this beautiful psalm of David. This Psalm is an expression of complete trust in God's total care, which is at the heart of its central message. God pursues us with His blessings. God is not an uninterested observer in our lives. He seeks us so that we may know Him and live for Him and with Him. 

If you look closely at scripture you’ll see that Psalm 22 is about the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, Psalm 23 is the church age, and Psalm 24 is the coming kingdom of Christ. We can look at the first two based on the accounts in the Bible, and the latter based on prophecy. David had no clue what was going to happen centuries in the future, but was inspired to write these things that share about it so well. Looking just at Psalm 23, you have to look a little deeper than just an enjoyable poem to see the connection to Jesus and His church. That is how it is with many passages in the Bible. Paul said “the letter kills, but the spirit gives life” referring to how we read the word of God, 2 Corinthians 3:6. 

In Psalm Twenty Three Verse one Jesus is referred to as The good Shepherd who watches over us. The Psalm encourages us to rest and slow down. To accept that God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs. In the KJV it uses the phrase “makes me to lie downloading òk” which is a command as He leads us to total peace “still waters”. In verse three we are reminded that it is He who restores us and guides us in the right way to go and that it is all done for His glory “His name sake”. Verse four assures us that through all things even through our trials we are to not fear but to trust in The Lord because He will always be with us and will comfort us. Then in verse five we are shown how He prepares and protects us even when we are surrounded by our enemies. He anoints us with healing and with His calling for our life. Our cup overflows with so many blessings. This beautiful psalm concludes in verse six expressing the goodness of God. David then vows and so should we all to dwell with God, several commentaries interpret this as repent, pray, spend quality time with our Lord and to study His word and to obey and apply it to our daily lives. 

When we face in our life thoughts of being on our own, alone, afraid, needing help and feeling as though we don’t have a purpose in this world it is then when we should go to Psalm 23, read it and sit snd absorb the true meaning of it. Then hold close to these beautiful words given to us. The precious words “He restores my soul” is saying God, The Creator of The Universe refreshes His people with His quiet voice and gentle touch. Imagine that still small voice and that light touch on our shoulder and at that very moment we are refreshed by Him.