<--back to The Lord is my Shepherd Main Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in fresh tender green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. We will start with the original Hebrew for a couple of these words. Still - menuchah (men-oo-khaw'): peacefully, comfortable, ease, quiet, resting place Pasture - na'ah (naw-aw'): pleasant place In verse one, we talked about the comparison of God as the Shepherd and we are His beloved sheep. We talked about not straying and remaining in His pasture. Well, today we learn another benefit to remaining in Him. When we submit to Him and live a consecrated life, we receive His peace. He leads us to peace. He leads us to a quiet comfortable resting place. You see, when we step away from a life of obedience and go our own way, we have no peace. We feel a deep hole without God. We feel lonely and have no peace. The reason for this is because there is a place deep within us that … [Read more...]

<--back to The Lord is my Shepherd Main Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. The original Hebrew word for shepherd is ra'ah (raw-aw): to tend a flock, to associate with as a friend, companion, make friendship with. A shepherd takes loving care of his sheep, and they follow him where ever he leads them. He feeds them. He protects them from hungry wolves. He searches for them until they are found when they are lost. He cares for them when they are hurt or sick. And he even helps them come into the world. God is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. He wants to take care of us the same way. Unfortunately, we often jump the fence and go our own way. When we do that, our Shepherd is unable to give us all the protection, peace, and comforts we have while in His pasture. God loves us so much. He desires our friendship and companionship. He wants us to be obedient and stay within the … [Read more...]

<--back to The Lord is my Shepherd Main Psalm 23:6 Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord and His presence shall be my dwelling place. This verse is so encouraging to me. God wants only the best for us. He sends His angels to watch over us and makes sure that we have the best opportunity for a wonderful life. His love NEVER fails, and He is always with us. We need to remember that and take the time to receive His Mercy and Love. David knew all of this and made a choice to make God first in His life. He made a commitment to walk with the Lord daily and keep Him in the first position in his life. He learned this the hard way. He walked a few roads on His own and paid the consequences. However, when he learned...he remained! When we get to a knowing place like David did, then we will have all the peace and joy that God wants for us. We … [Read more...]