Evangelistic Education Ministries

Psalm 23

PS 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The shepherd of a flock of sheep is responsible for the well-being, protection and guidance of the sheep. The shepherd watches over the sheep being sure to keep them safe from predators. God watches over His people giving guidance wisdom and protecting them from sinners. God watches giving direction and wisdom through his Holy Spirit. God does provide for needs.
JN 14:16 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
JN 14:17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know
Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
JN 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and
bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

PS 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
The image of a green pasture and tranquil waters brings the thoughts of quietness, peacefulness,
restfulness. This image should portray to us comfort and peace of mind. God will provide, while in
Him, an atmosphere of contentment – an escape from the troubles of the world.

PS 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
God gives salvation – restoring to a right relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit will give guidance
that there may be a righteous life in Him. Because He is God and wants all His people to be in Him.

PS 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
The valley of the shadow of death – this could be the work place or anywhere there would be those
who do not have a spiritual relationship with God. If one allows themselves to become involved in
fellowship with groups of the world this could lead to involvement in the very same sins of the world.
Work places are places of gossip, bickering, and other forms of conflicts and discontent. Places of sin
can be found in almost all social groups.

PS 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
In the image of the table of the last supper all was provided for the meal. God provides for the needs
of His people even in the surroundings of a sinful world. Anointing with oil brings the idea of God
providing physical well-being. God will provide blessings, more blessings than expected. God
will provide physical and spiritual blessings more than one can imagine.

PS 23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
As one maintains a spiritual relationship with God there will then follow the ability to do good for
others. One will do for others out of concern and care for the person. There is a need and the person
of God will provide for that need through God.
Coming to a personal understanding and relationship with God realizing the things of the world do not
provide eternal peace and comfort so one must do all they can to be sure they are in a correct and full
relationship with God.
There is a life there with God that will give all that one could imagine – needs, spiritual contentment, protection from the sinful world. Spiritual peace is the big reward for obedience of God.