ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD

 FEBRUARY 10, 2023

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



Many of the songs found in the Bible, declare their thesis in the first verse and then simply amplify it in the remainder of the song. This is true of Psalm 23, the beloved Shepherd's Psalm. The key thought is this: Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing! NOTHING!! No uncertainty will frighten, terrify, alarm, or panic me.

Here is the way the theme of Psalm 23 is played out in the balance of David's famous song:

I shall not lack rest or provision—why? 

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
I shall not lack peace—why? 

He leads me beside quiet waters.
I shall not lack restoration or encouragement when I faint, fail, or fall—why? 

He restores my soul.
I shall not lack guidance or fellowship—why? 

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.
I shall not lack courage when my way is dark—why? 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.
I shall not lack companionship—why? 

You are with me.
I shall not lack constant comfort—why? 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I shall not lack protection or honor—why? 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
I shall not lack power—why? 

You have anointed my head with oil.
I shall not lack abundance—why? 

My cup overflows.
I shall not lack God's perpetual presence—why? 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
I shall not lack security—why? 

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now go back and read the above more slowly and after each statement pause and thank God for all he does to provide for us each day.

Let the Lord be your shepherd today. Listen to our Shepherd’s voice and live in God’s Care and Love. “Encourage yourself in the Lord your God” through Psalm 23 promises.

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.

Revelation 7:12