JUNE 17, Psalm 23:2-3 

David says in verse 2, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Sheep cannot find pasture on their own. The shepherd has to lead them and they have to follow. The sheep’s food is taken care of by the shepherd. “Green” gives an idea of fresh tender shoots, the very best for nourishment. “Green pastures” mean pastures of young grass. Sheep cannot discern between good green grass and poisonous weeds. They depend on the shepherd to lead them to good pastures and eat whatever the shepherd gives to them.

The word “leadeth” gives an idea of gently leading and protecting. The shepherd will lead the sheep to “still waters.” Sheep are easily frightened by fast rushing water as in torrential streams. They will not drink from it. They are easily frightened by the loud sounds. The shepherd leads them instead to still waters. This is a description of gentle flowing streams where there is good clean fresh water.

So, we see the gentle care of the shepherd in providing for the sheep’s needs. Believers are like sheep. They have to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in Him only. They must only hear His voice. He will provide for all their spiritual and temporal needs. Through His Word taught to us by our pastors, preachers, and Junior Worship teachers, He will feed us spiritually.

This will enable us to grow spiritually. God will also provide for our temporal needs: food, shelter and clothing.

David says in verse 3, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Sometimes sheep do go astray. They wander off on their own especially those that lag behind in the flock. When they do that,they become vulnerable to wild animals. There are wolves, lions, other wild animals in Israel. Sheep are not able to run fast. They don’t know how to hide and can be eaten up by wild animals. It is the duty of the shepherd to find them and bring them back to safety. When David says, “He restoreth my soul:”, he means the Lord will restore His children who have sinned and strayed away. The Lord will bring chastisement upon His children to restore them because He loves them.

Thought: God is always there to shepherd us. He is a very present help in the day of trouble.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me with both spiritual and physical needs and for restoring me when I repent of my sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.