Praise!
Six Studies in the Psalms by Peter J. Blackburn
Study 4 - God's Provision (Psalm 23)
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Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall want nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
and leads me beside the waters of peace.
3 He renews life within me,
and for his name’s sake guides me in the right path.
4 Even though I walk through a valley dark as death,
I fear no evil, for you are with me,
your staff and crook are my comfort.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall want nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
and leads me beside the waters of peace.
3 He renews life within me,
and for his name’s sake guides me in the right path.
4 Even though I walk through a valley dark as death,
I fear no evil, for you are with me,
your staff and crook are my comfort.
5 You spread a table for me in the sight of my enemies;
you have richly bathed my head with oil,
and my cup runs over.
6 Goodness and love unfailing, these will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.
you have richly bathed my head with oil,
and my cup runs over.
6 Goodness and love unfailing, these will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.
What is it saying?
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Are all the words and phrases clear to me? Do I understand what this Psalm meant when it was first written -
Jot down here any new thoughts, problems or questions, that have come to mind as you have read and thought about this Psalm. |
In the group, share what you have written before reading on.
This Psalm is so well-known and well-loved that, if we aren’t careful, we fail to plumb the depths of what it is saying. Very often, we picture David the shepherd boy sitting under a tree with sheep nearby and his lyre in hand composing this Psalm.
However, W.Ralph Thompson writes, "Psalm 23 is almost universally attributed to David, and is a panorama of his own life. It appears to have been written when he was old. This premise is based on the range of experience covered in the psalm, and the subdued tone and quiet confidence that permeate the whole. A young man would hardly write so calmly or so self-effacingly."
The general theme of the Psalm is given in v. 1 - "The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall want nothing." "Want" here refers to basic need, not to our every whim! Note that Jesus taught us to pray for "our daily bread".
"Green pastures" and "waters of peace" (v. 2) speak of needed nourishment, refreshment and rest.
We all have experiences which leave us feeling crushed and despondent. The Lord "renews life within me" and leads me "in the right path" (v. 3).
Even in the midst of great difficulty and tragedy, the Lord’s presence continues to lead and sustain us (v. 4). The walk through the "valley dark as death" leads to "the table spread for me" (v. 5) - an ample provision for our needs.
Just as v. 1 introduced the general theme, so the concluding verse sums it all up. Whatever else may happen to us, life is filled with the Lord’s "goodness and love unfailing" and brings assurance of life forever in his presence.
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Jesus took up the "shepherd" theme in John 10. What does this mean?
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What about me?
For the words of the Psalmist of centuries ago to be a meaningful part of my praise, I need to think about my life today. Use these questions to help focus group sharing.
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Are the comfort and promises of this Psalm related to my response to the Lord or not? Is there a danger I may take false comfort from this Psalm?
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In what situations recently have I known the Lord guiding me in the right path? How did he guide me?
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In what ways have I been conscious of the Lord strengthening me?
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In what dark and difficult experiences have I known the Lord’s presence and comfort?
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As I look over all my life, am I conscious, amid all the difficult things that have happened, of God’s "goodness and love unfailing"?
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Praise!
Work individually for ten minutes or so and write down your own Psalm based on our sharing of life together in the light of Psalm 23.
Now share with the whole group what you have written.
Then join together in praise using the words of Psalm 23.
Praise! Studies in the Psalms © Peter J. Blackburn 1977, 2000. Permission is given for this study to be copied in its entirety for group use. Courtesy advice of the use of these studies would be appreciated. Any other proposed use must have the written permission of the author. Email Peter Blackburn.
Study 5 - God's Dwelling (Psalm 24)
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