So Be It! by Pastor Naomi

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd = RELATIONSHIP

I shall not want = SUPPLY

He makes me lie down in green pastures = REST

He leads me beside still waters = REFRESHMENT

He restores my soul = HEALING

He guides me in paths of righteousness = GUIDANCE

For His name’s sake = PURPOSE

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = TESTING

I will fear no evil = PROTECTION

For You are with me = FAITHFULNESS

Your rod and your staff they comfort me = DISCIPLINE

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies = HOPE

You anoint my head with oil = CONSECRATION

My cup overflows = ABUNDANCE

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life = BLESSINGS

David uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to describe his (and our) relationship with the Lord.

The first few words of the Psalm tell us that the Lord is our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). In Scripture, the truth that God is our Shepherd is shown repeatedly, both in the Old and New Testament (Genesis 49:24; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11, and Revelation 7:17). He is the one who provides, guides, protects, and loves us.

Our Lord Jesus will give us peace and rest in terms of salvation and ongoing spiritual provision.

Like weary and sometimes exhausted sheep, we need the care and watchfulness our Shepherd provides. He is the great Shepherd who guides His people, leading them in the way they should go. Nothing can separate them from the loving care of the Lord (Romans 8: 38-39).

The picture of a full and overflowing cup shows the abundance of God’s blessings in David’s life.

We should not confuse these blessings with material goods or riches. Rather, God gives us rich spiritual blessings through a relationship with Him (John 10:10).

In addition to a life filled with God’s love and goodness, David also anticipates dwelling in God’s presence in “the house of the Lord” (Psalm 23:6b).

Oh, what a wonderful Shepherd we have in Jesus! He said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

Don’t be fooled into listening to other voices in this world. Learn to hear, know, and listen to the Shepherd’s voice only. Follow Him with all your heart, trusting and leaning on Him through it all.

AMEN (SO BE IT) 2.7.24) JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339.

Send comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer