City Life Starter

I. The Word: Psalm 23

By Stefan Johnsson

Guidance

Protection

Comfort

These are words that describe Psalm 23 for me. Considered to be one of the most known psalms in the Bible, David uses this psalm to describe God as a shepherd to his sheep. It is harder for us to understand in today’s society than it was back then what tendencies of sheep were or what the job of a shepherd was. Ultimately, the basic idea here is that sheep cannot survive without their shepherd.  They hear his voice and surround him, even in the darkest hours of the day. The reliance that sheep have is complete in their shepherd. To guide them to their daily sustenance, the still waters and green pastures. To better understand the psalm, I want to explain how each word above fits within the context of what David wrote.

Guidance – In verses 1-3, we see what David refers to in guidance. Each day, in the deserts of Israel, the humid wind from the Mediterranean Sea will blow during the night and allow grass to be grown by the rocks on the hills. The grass does not last past the day, so it is imperative that the shepherd will lead the sheep to the right areas for their sustenance during each day. There is not enough grass for more than that day.

Application – God only gives you the grace you need for that day. He brings you to the grassy pastures and still waters for all your daily food. He will provide what you need for tomorrow when tomorrow comes. Do not grow in anxiety or worry about things that you cannot control past today. Ask for your daily bread today and ask for tomorrow when tomorrow comes.

Protection – Verse 4 speaks of how the sheep, during the night, gather around the shepherd’s voice as he guides them through the valleys in the dark. His rod and staff protect the sheep from any harm. They listen to his voice and will stay close to him.

Application – God will not bring you down the wrong path. Trust in Him completely and He will guide you and protect you from the turmoils of life.  There are many trials and sorrows that life will bring you, but God understands and His voice is comforting to us as it is for the sheep to the shepherd.

Comfort – In verses 5-6 we see verses of comfort and understanding. David understood that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever come to the end of his life on Earth. What brings him comfort in this psalms is his ability to understand that God will bring both goodness and mercy to his life. That a table of food is prepared for him in front of his enemies. God is the one in control.

Application – Do not worry about what happens in this life. Focus on that you will spend eternity with God in the end. You will dwell forever in the presence of the almighty God. How trivial the problems of life will seem once it ends. God watches over you like a shepherd to his sheep. He will comfort you and guide you to the right path. It is up to you to follow him. A sheep cannot survive without his shepherd. Make God your comfort and not any material possessions.