Psalm 23 A psalm of David – What it means to me.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

Our Lord guides us where to go, to where he has prepared a future for us. We may feel inadequate for what he wants us to possess or perform, but (I lack nothing) we are sufficient. Although at times it may seem like the path he is guiding us on is full of turmoil and distress, we can have peace, because we are where He wants us (he leads me beside quiet waters).

³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.

While I perform his purpose for my life, He gives me fulfillment. He keeps His eye on me constantly so I do not make mistakes because he is faithful to His word.

⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

Challenges and obstacle will rise against me, my life my even be threatened, but because I am were you called me to be, I am at peace and not frightened as I know in your presence no evil can overcome me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.

As those who hate and persecute me look on wanting to see if their traps and schemes will work, you use it Lord to bless me. You don’t just do well for me, but you do it Lord so abundantly that they can all see that it can only be you who has blessed me.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever

All the days I spend in your presence, walking the path you have set for me bring me joy. The more time I spend with you, the more I long for you. I have found no greater joy in life than being where you want me