Once again we learn from the title
that this is a Psalm written by David. This Psalm is the most used and preached
Psalm. It is found on book marks, on calendar, on paintings and all sorts of
decoration pieces, etc. It is also often referred to as the Shepherd’s Psalm,
taking its cue from the first line. David must have written this on one of
those occasions when he was out in the fields tending his father’s flock. He
wants us to know that we have a Shepherd in God, who not only will lead and
guide us but also one who has ample provisions to meet every need of our life.
This Psalm is neatly divided into
three broad sections, each beginning with a positive assertion. In verse 1, the
assertion is “I shall not be in want”; in verse 4, “I fear no evil”; and in
verse 11, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord.” It gives us the picture of God as our
Shepherd providing guidance. It also tells us that He is our Confidante as we
journey in life, and most of all He is our Host in the ultimate banquet in
eternity. So He is not just our Guide, but also Companion and Host.
As a Shepherd, seen in verses 1-3, He
will guide us into the richness of life experiences. Green pasture suggests serenity;
still waters speak of peace; and restoration of soul tells us of renewal. Oh, how
we need serenity and peace and renewal in our world full of disquiet and
uneasiness. Aren’t we glad to have such a personal shepherd to lead and guide
us? David tells us that the ways He will lead us through are always right ones.
He calls it paths of righteousness, paths that are always right and just, paths
that are in accordance with His name, His revealed and infallible character.
However, we surely know that life journey
is not always a pleasant, straight and smooth path. Like Annie Johnson Flint said
in her poem: “God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways
all our lives through, God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without
sorrow, peace without pain.” But in this treacherous journey, He will be our Confidante.
And He will help us to navigate the terrain of this world, no matter how rough
they may be. Shadow of death speaks of times of loneliness and darkness,
including death. Notice from the third person singular pronoun “He” in verses
1-3, David changed it into the second person singular “You” in verse 4. This
speaks of God being with us personally in those dark and lonely moments. He
comes alongside us and be with us. It is true that when our night becomes darker,
our Lord becomes nearer. His “rod” speaks of divine protection and his “staff”
speaks of divine support. They are what He will be to us as our Companion in
this journey of life.
Then David tells us that He will be
our Glorious Host in verses 5-6. He prepares a banquet for us. He wants us to
have a lasting fellowship with Him in eternity. There is no denial that, while
on earth, we will face with hostile people. Here’s a wonderful thought that
while we face them, our best weapon and defence is in our fellowship with the
Lord. He will keep us from the ferocious attack of hostile enemies. We will
always be welcomed, symbolized by His anointing our head with oil. Daily, this wonderful
Host will provide for us lavishly till our cup overflows with joy. Besides, we will
be showered with goodness, love and mercy all the days of our journey. And when
we finally reach our home in eternity, we are assured of everlasting unbroken fellowship.
This is a call to wholly trust the
Lord. He wants to guide us in this life journey. He wants to ensure our safety
and security in hostile environment in this life. Best of all, He has already prepared
a lavish welcome for us when our life on earth is done. So let us hear again, the Great Shepherd’s comforting
assurance, recorded in John 14:1-3: “Do not let
your heart be troubled; believe
in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling
places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to
prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you
may be also.”
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