Our Shepherd tends to and rears His sheep. His sheep wishes for nothing nor have desires to possess worldly things that are outside of their necessity.
As our leader, we follow Him along the hillside where green plants are found at the base of rocks. Where our Shepherd goes and we obey and allow Him to lead, we find comfort in the pastures near the slow and calm waters. It is these waters that bring us peace and rest of the spirit. There is nothing more comforting than the sound of a flowing stream of water or bubbling brook.
As guarded sheep of our Shepherd the Lord Jesus, He restores our souls, because we cannot restore ourselves. This peaceful place in closeness to our Shepherd allows us to focus on God’s work in our lives. In biblical days, king David recognized that God was his caretaker that watched over him. Today, when we come to realize that our Shepherd The Lord Jesus is our caretaker too, we find ourselves in need of nothing. Our needs are met through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
The straight paths that He leads us down are filled with righteousness. Even though the valleys are covered in darkness and shadowed in death, they are paths that God leads His sheep through as part of their earthly experience. This serves to confirm to His sheep His character and ability for the sake of His Holy name.
The sheep come to realize that there is no other option but to follow Him into the dark valleys of the earth. Because of His presence, they come to trust in the rod and staff of the Shepherd to beat back the enemies that can cause harm, misfortune, trouble, danger, destruction, or injury along the way. In His sheep there is no fear, only comfort, despite their surroundings, and not one is left behind. The comfort of The Shepherd strengthens the sheep with a power that enables them to walk the path.
At an appointed time, The Shepherd prepares, or arranges an eating-place in the midst of enemies all around who watch as the sheep are showered with goodness. He abundantly provides His sheep with blessings and comfort running over. Our Shepherd is He who intercedes for us in heavenly places.
The beautiful scene is set in this well-loved psalm of David, that our faithful God, our merciful and gracious Savior, our good and caring Shepherd, keeps us, protects and provides for us through all of the changing seasons of life. He anoints the heads of His sheep with oil. That oil forms a shield of protection against the evil that may arise to destroy His sheep.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we only need to trust that His divine twin virtues of goodness and mercy are following our every step. With this trust, be likewise confident and comforted that every day of our lives, the two divine friends of David, goodness and mercy are behind us on life’s journey forever.
David had an understanding of God’s character, and of His purpose and promises for His people. Sinners may become children of God when they obey and union with Him.
Psalm 23
23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”