Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Psalms in the bible. We hear it recited at church, see it on walls in a hospital, and many times, it is read at funerals. I believe that Psalm 23 should not be reserved for the end of life or just on a Sunday morning. I believe it is like a multi-tool in our pocket for all of life. You see, Psalm 23 can be our guide for praying in any and all situations. So whether you're stressed or blessed, whether you are lost in need of direction or you know exactly where you are going, or whether you're disappointed or excited for new opportunities, Psalm 23 can be a guide for you in Everything. Let’s walk through these six verses one at a time.
My Contentment is Found in Jesus.
“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (vs 1-2)
Our first prayer is to confess that Jesus is enough. We strive to find our contentment in so many things: in our houses, our bank accounts, jobs, marriages, kids, or even our country. None of these things are wrong or are bad in themselves. But they will never give you the same contentment as knowing your Lord Jesus. Have you come to a place where you can say, “Jesus, you are my Shepherd, I shall not want”? When Jesus is your shepherd, he is all you need.
The apostle Paul learned this secret as he wrote:
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NLT)
So we, too, can pray, “Lord, will you help me to find my contentment in you, knowing that you desire for me to dwell in your green pastures? You are all I need!”
My Rest Comes From Jesus.
“He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” (vs 2-3)
Life can drain us, and sometimes, it feels like there’s no end in sight. Whether it’s stress from work, stress from kids, stress from medical issues, or the stresses that are all around us in this world, life can feel overwhelming. When we are overwhelmed, overworked, or stressed, we need rest. God has made our bodies, our emotions, and our minds to require rest. This is why God created us to need six to eight hours of sleep every day! That’s humbling! However, Jesus not only gives us strength and satisfies us, but he also is the One we can go to for rest for our souls. There is an expression that I’ve heard many times - ‘there is no rest for the weary.’ But that is not true! Jesus said:
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
So, let’s go to Jesus for the rest that we need. “Jesus, you see my fatigue and my weariness. Please give rest to my mind, my body, my emotions, and my soul.”
My Direction Comes From Jesus.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (vs 3)
One of the overwhelming aspects of life is all the decisions that a person has to make. And when you have to make so many decisions each day, you can develop what some are now calling ‘decision fatigue.’ As we pray, we can ask our shepherd to lead us. The difficulty in this prayer is that some of us struggle to give up control. I don’t know about you, but if I go somewhere in the car, I like to drive! I want control. When we come to Jesus daily in prayer, we give up control and allow him to lead our lives. When you ask him to be your guide, you can be assured he will lead you! Jesus said:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)
Ask Jesus, and he will lead you! “Jesus, I ask today, help me follow your direction in my life. I trust that as you lead me, you will be glorified, and I will walk in righteousness.”
My Protection Comes From Jesus.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (vs 4)
Life is scary at times. There are all forms of danger and attacks all around us, whether it comes in the form of a spiritual attack, verbal attack, or even persecution and hate. Jesus warns us that, “Here on earth [we] will have many trials and sorrows.” (John 16:33 NLT) But we are not alone. Jesus walks beside us through whatever trial or valley we go through. He tells us that we don’t have to be afraid of evil. He’s got us! He is with us! He will even comfort us through the pain of the trial and the pain that comes with it.
When we are afraid, we must ask Jesus to remind us that he is with us. “Jesus, remind me that you are with me. I don’t like this trial I am facing. I am scared. Will you comfort me in this difficult time?”
My Anointing Comes From Jesus.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (vs 5)
Anointing someone’s forehead with oil was an ancient custom to show hospitality to an honored guest at a meal. Anointing also represented a mark that someone was chosen for the work of God. The psalmist is saying that even in the middle of our stress or scary moments, God still anoints us and has a plan for our lives. His anointing is so overwhelming that our cup overflows! When we go to God and trust him in every situation, he gives us plenty, with extra to spare. Instead of running on empty or only having a few drops in the bottom of your cup, go to Jesus and let your cup overflow!
“Jesus, anoint my life. Set me apart for what you want to do in and through me, and allow your strength, power, and wisdom to overflow in me!”
My Hope Comes From Jesus.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (vs 6)
Psalm 23 is famous for the first verse and the last verse. Everyone who believes in God and reads this Psalm takes hope in the final words of this passage. It’s a promise that when Jesus is our shepherd, his goodness and mercy follow us. Not just one day, but every day until we dwell with God forever. God wants believers to walk and live in hope. There are so many hopeless situations all around us. It’s easy to get pulled in. But when we pray and trust Jesus, it’s a promise from God that we will experience His goodness and mercy in our lives. Paul prayed for this same hope for the Ephesians:
That you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. – Ephesians 1:18
Let’s end this time praying for a deep hope from Jesus for every one of our situations.
“Jesus, I thank you for being my shepherd and my guide. Please direct me. There are situations in my life that are overwhelming. But I trust that your goodness and mercy will be there for me again today. Please help me see the little ways you have been good to me. And help me to know that one day, I will be with you forever! In Jesus’ name. Amen!”
