Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

     he leads me beside quiet waters,

     he restores my soul

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

(V. 1-3 [NIV 1984 ed.])

He restores my soul. For the sheep, the image here is of the physical renewal the needy animal experiences once he gets the needed food, water, and rest mentioned in the previous verse.[1] We too need to partake of the physical and material provisions God provides for our well-being. But for human beings, for believers, this provision includes the spiritual aspect of our lives. We need that spiritual refreshment that only the Holy Spirit provides. Elsewhere, King David describes God’s word as reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, and sweeter than honey (see Psalm 19). This is one reason we pause at work to read and meditate even now.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. For those of us who went to Vacation Bible School back in the day we remember learning in our pledge to the Bible: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you Psalms 119:105 & 11). The shepherd again provides. May God’s word lead us today as we serve our families or colleagues and encourage and point one another down the right paths as well.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for being a Shepherd who provides for sheep like us. Each of us wakes up today with spiritual needs. Please meet those needs and help us to look out for the spiritual and emotional needs of one another. Please do this for our good and for your glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[1] Reformation Study Bible, 855.