WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
Psalm 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:12

“… than to put confidence in man.”

THE PSALM OF PSALMS

Psalm 23 is the most versatile of David’s Psalter. It fits all occasions because it breathes with every breath we take through every vicissitude of life. As life vibrates with every mood and emotion, so Psalm 23 reflects joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hatred, desire. It is a psalm of life-hid-in-God. Whereas the world, of whatever religion or cultural background, is without God and has no hope (Eph 2:12), the Christian, like David, has fullness of confidence in God, like a lamb in the Shepherd’s arms. This is how David felt when he penned this Psalm, recalling how God had delivered him “out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear” (1 Sam 17:37). Therefore, he could confidently go to battle against Goliath, knowing God would deliver him “out of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam 17:37). As he wrote this Psalm, he throbbed to the vivid memory of how God also delivered him from Saul’s spear and revived his fainting spirits with Ahimelech’s shewbread. Thus he could testify of his all sufficiency in God, in his every need in a perilous livelihood. Not only of God’s emergency supply but also of His tender mercies leading to rest and recreation.

How does “thy rod and thy staff” comfort me? The shepherd invariably carries a staff or rod with him when he goes forth to feed his flock. With this staff he rules and guides the flock and defends them from their enemies.

From the rustic scene we are introduced to a palace setting. Is David speaking from his victory over Goliath and his honours conferred before the king which excited the envy of other servants? Anointing the head with oil is done as an expression of joy against putting on dust and ashes in sorrow. “Those that have this happiness must let it overflow into their poor brethren’s emptier vessels” (John Trapp).

While David had many enemies, he could rest in the Lord that He, on the other hand, was attending to him with loving kindness. He had no doubt that a place in heaven was reserved for him. Is this your assurance too?

THOUGHT: (Memorise Psalm 23.)
PRAYER: I thank Thee, my great Shepherd, for watching over me.