May 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3.

Charles Spurgeon has noted the position of this Psalm. It follows immediately after Psalm 22, which describes the death of Jesus at the cross. He shows that we are not ready for the calming influence or the assurance of Psalm 23 until we understand “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” that appears in Psalm 22:1. Oh, there is much to consider here. It is so true that we do not fully realize how Jesus can be our shepherd, our guide to green pastures, our soul restorer, or the guide to righteousness until we comprehend His sacrifice at the cross. Suddenly it all fits together. We have the perfect Savior as our shepherd!

I never cease to marvel at the precious words of our Bible. It is the living Word of God. Everything that is presented to us in its pages is predicated upon the work of Jesus, whether we consider the Old or the New Testament. And it all comes together “for His name’s sake.”

Our life is not spent continually in green pastures or beside still waters. Yet, I know down deeply in my spirit that the trials and tests of this life are opportunities for me to see Jesus beside me, guiding me, and giving of His nature to me, so that I can emerge from the trial to more fully appreciate all that He has done and all that He has in store for me. After the trial we will share the green pasture and the still water together. I can then look back and see how I have been shaped more fully into His image.

Thank You, Father, for providing Your Son, the true shepherd. In His name I pray. Amen.
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