Blessings in the 23rd Psalm

A picture to bless our souls as we can see the depth of love our shepherd has for us🙌

Such an encouragement and a beautiful vision of the heart and love of our Shepherd towards us! Thank you

UNDERSTANDING THE 23RD PSALM

Pastor Richard Craig, Collinsville, Oklahoma

The Owner is my Shepherd; therefore, I shall never want for anything.

Be it food He makes me to lie down in it. I'm surrounded by His provision. Every way I look I can see His provision is there for meeting my need. I can survive 30 days or so without food but only 3 days without water.

Would I not drink for fear of waters that are troubled, because the movement of the water scares me? My Shepherd knows my fears and my weaknesses and He leads me by still water that I may drink life without fear.

He provides a well within me and a living spring of living water keeps it filled, so that even my very soul is restored.

He knows I must find the place of righteousness, peace and joy wherein lies his Kingdom, so He leads me in that path. When observers see it they credit His Name declaring His goodness so that others are envious of my keeping.

Yes, I could walk following Him through the valley of the shadow of death and yet I would not experience the fear of evil, for my Owner is right there with me to deliver me and keep me from evil that it might not harm me.

In any event He (the Owner) has provided me with two comforters.

First the Rod, who He called Jesus, the Word, His Son and He separated me from my selfish, destructive ways; examined me and counted me into his flock and prodded me in the direction of the path I should follow.

Secondly the Staff, who He called the Holy Spirit and he hooked me and drew me into His presence and lifted me up when I found myself stuck in the muddy dregs of life.

My Owner prepares a feast upon a huge banqueting table in the very mist of the lion and the bear that would devour me. Upon this table are heaping helpings of everything I need. If I need to be mercy full then there is mercy. If I need to be thankful then there are thanks. If I need to full of courage, joy, strength, grace or whatever good thing; it is there.

The lion sees my delightful provision and is envious and hateful. The lion then goes roaring about seeking whom he may devour, for he knows my Owner will not allow him to harm me.

After I've been filled from the good things of my Masters table, He anoints me with oil starting at my head his love and warm blessings flow down over my whole being and I sense a total freedom and I know I have no burdens on me and that I am not bound by any fetters.

Finally, he sets a cup before me and begins to fill it. I had another cup before He owned me, but it was filled with a bitter drink that could only bring death.

My Owner drank it instead of me. Now my cup runs over with Life and Its Abundant. I will always drink of this cup.

Sometimes then when I am full, content, and wanting nothing I skip off to play, but my Owner has two guardians (sheep dogs if you will) named Goodness and Mercy, who have been commanded to follow me all the days of my life.

They make sure I stay in my Masters house for its borders are very great and inside these safe borders, there I will dwell forever.