Ponder truths in 23rd Psalm

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

What a wonderful portion of Scripture found in Psalm 23:6.

God’s goodness is always expressed to us in so many ways throughout our life.

We sometimes look at this particular Psalm as used only in a time of sorrow or pain. It is visited often at funerals or memorial services.

It is evident upon reading that David, the great psalmist of Israel wrote this for the living.

His insight comes from the times he spent as a shepherd himself, caring and tending the flocks of his father.

He relates to us his revelation of the Lord as the “Great Shepherd” who cares for our souls.

David spent lonely nights with his thoughts and meditations upon the Lord, his view of his own life, and his love for the flock in his care brought him the understanding of his calling and of God’s love, protection and provision for him.

The 23rd Psalm can be broken down into many portions and taught many ways.

First, it reveals God’s guidance and direction.

This wonderful truth is found in our faith, believing God at his word.

He knows us and longs to be involved with our lives.

Our help is from him and he is there to provide wisdom and guidance for us and for the decisions we must make.

The choice to ask for help and direction is ours to make.

Looking up to heaven, bowing our heads and hearts to the all-knowing Lord will help us along the path of life.

David said of the Lord, “I shall not want because he makes me to lie down in green pastures and leads me beside the quiet waters.”

He also said, “He restores my soul and guides me in paths of righteousness.”

When David was in need of a cold streaming brook, God led him.

When he was tired out by the length of the road, God provided him with leadership and direction to green pastures.

He alone led him, and guided him to his desired destination and haven.

Allow the Lord to do the same for you.

He will give us the direction needed, for the stops of life.

He has an unending supply of rest for our weary souls.

Each need presented will be met and will bring us the promise that all is well, under his guidance.

Second, it reveals God’s protection and provision.

David offers assurance for us.

He states that even when he walked through the valley of the “shadow of death” he did not fear.

His protector was with him, the Great Shepherd who with his rod and his staff in hand provided protection from all evil.

The fears of this world cannot overtake us when we have made the Lord our Shepherd.

Our life, in simple faith and surrender to him, will be under his protection.

God’s rod in our life will provide the much needed direction and correction while his staff provides the love and leadership.

Both are used for our benefit.

Yes, we will experience “life” but he will be involved in it, with us.

In fact, David says that God anoints his head with oil, and his cup is overflowing.

God provides strength as his provision, bestowing upon him and to us the portion needed for each day.

Third, it reveals our security and future in Christ.

Scripture reads, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are assured of his wonderful presence of goodness and mercy.

Goodness is the kindness and good intentions of the Lord directed to us.

His righteousness and our right standing with him as Savior and Lord is our security.

It doesn’t matter where we are in these times of our lives; we have the guarantee that he is there.

David closes out this beloved Psalm with a final statement, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

That is our future, hope and promise.

David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned this Psalm. It is presented to us to offer hope for life, now and in the future.

Find peace in knowing you are never alone.

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain.