Psalm 23: 1-6 - baaaaaaaaa, baaaaaaaaaa, baaaaaaaaaa . . . . . . .

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want . . ."

The 23rd Psalm is the most beloved piece of Scripture of all time.  It is probably the only entire set of verses that is totally memorized.  It covers every aspect of one's life.  The most popular place for the reading of this Psalm is at funerals, but in fact, this is the most incredible STATEMENT OF FAITH for the living that I have ever read.   Take a moment right now, open your Bible to Psalm 23, and begin to read it very slowly and deliberately, circling or underlining or highlighting every personal pronoun you read.   Then re-read the Psalm, emphasizing every pronoun.   How did that make you feel?  It exliherates me!  If I want to share my statement of faith with anyone, let them know where I place my trust and  conficence, I give them the 23rd Psalm.

Now about us and the sheep.  First and foremost, the type of life sheep will live depends entirely upon the person who tends them.  If you are caring, compassionate, and gentle with your sheep, they will warm to you, stay close to you, seek you out if threatened in any way.  But if you are mean and cruel, or simply don't pay any attention to them at all, they will wander off, get hurt and often die.  There is always the true shepherd, and the imitator who doesn't quite measure up to the task.  The sheep know the true shepherd's voice and pay attention.

The valley of the shadow of death in verse 4 doesn't apply to a dead or dying person and the transition from this life to the next.  The time of King David was a perilous time for the Hebrew, and it still is today.  Many, many people down through the centures have sought to bring to extinction the Hebrew race, but it has ncver happened and it never will.  This phrase refers to the frightening times the Israelites must live through and if you read it in that context, it makes perfect sense.  And so it does for us also.  "Even though I walk through dark and perlious times in this life, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with ME . . . "

This is a psalm of strength, of committment, of trust, of love, of praise, of faith.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is a caring, loving, dependable shepherd.  When everyone else fails you, He is still there, holding you in the palm of His hand, protecting you from evil, guarding you from harm.  If God be for you, who can stand against you? 

Could this psalm be your statement of faith?

"Shepherd of my soul, I love you.  You tend to me, teach me, guide and guard me.  You put salve on my wounds, you bind my hurting heart, you strengthen me with tender, loving care.   You hear me when I cry and rejoice with me in my happiness.  You will NEVER leave me or forsake me.  You are my one, true love.  As the shepherd gently draws back the sheep that strays, so You always keep me in Your path.  Thank you, Jesus, thank you.  I am safe and content in the shelter of Your arms.  Amen."

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Ezekiel 34

Exodus 2:17
Psalm 28:9
            78:71-72
John 10