The Lord is my Shepherd
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known Psalms in the Bible. When I reflect upon this Psalm, I observe that God is our Provider, cares deeply for us, offers protection, and abundantly blesses us.
*God provides for us – Psalm 23:1-2(AMP) The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
Philippians 4:19(AMP) And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
*God cares for us – Psalm 23:3 (AMP) He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
1 Peter 5:7(AMP) casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
*God protects us – Psalm 23:4(AMP) Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
Psalm 91:4(AMP) He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.
*God blesses us – Psalm 23:5-6(AMP) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD.
Numbers 6:24-26(AMP) The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].
*Jesus Christ, our good Shepherd – John 10:11(AMP) I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.
Hebrews 13:20-21(AMP) Now may the God of peace [the source of serenity and spiritual well-being] who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood that sealed and ratified the eternal covenant, equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you [making you complete and perfect as you ought to be], accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
In conclusion, under the old covenant, the sheep died for the shepherd. But under the new covenant, the Shepherd died for the sheep!
Revelation 7:17(TLB) For the Lamb standing in front of the throne will feed them and be their Shepherd and lead them to the springs of the Water of Life. And God will wipe their tears away.”