Psalm 23

brendaonline.com

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Shepherd- a person who tends and rears sheep.  Sheep can't feed themselves

Sheep- A sheep is a meek animal. They are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world. In a herd, all the sheep tend to listen to their leaders and show esteem to them. Because of their obedient character, sheep are among the most popular animals beloved by mankind.

I shall not want-  You will provide all my needs.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

The behaviour of sheep:

Sheep are grazing animals that eat grasses and other low-growing vegetation and ruminate (chew the cud). They spend most of the day alternating between periods of grazing and resting/ruminating, and sleep for only around 4 hours per day.

(of cattle, sheep, etc.) eat grass in a field: cattle graze on the open meadows. • [with object] (of an animal) feed on (grass or land covered by grass): llamas graze the tufts of grass. • [with object] put (cattle, sheep, etc.) to feed on land covered by grass: shepherds who grazed animals on common land. • informal (of a person) eat small quantities of food at frequent but irregular intervals: advertisers should not encourage children to graze on snacks or sweets.

ruminate- mediate.

Sheep do not sleep much.

Sheep eat grass and low-growing vegetation.  Sheep are content with what is necessary. 

Sheep eat what the shepherd provides on the level they can reach.  They digest and chew again.  This is the way to eat the Word of God.  You eat it and meditate on it again and again.

Sheep do not sleep much.  Sheep sleep about 15% of their live.

He lets me lay down beside waters I am able to drink.  Some waters are known to be unpredictable.  God takes me to places and commands my surroundings to be still.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

When we as sheep eat the Word, God who is His Word restores or brings us back to where we ought to be.  God leads me through his Word in the path of what is right, because of His reputation.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

There are times in life we will walk in dark places.  A valley is can be described as a low place in life.  You can see the hill surrounding you, but you know where you are and because of the Word of God, you are satisfied knowing the shepherd has it all under control.  Your Word, which is my decision-maker comforts me.  I know beforehand the choices I can take, when I tend to wander, you will pull back into the place I want to be.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

God prepares.  God prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  (2 Kings 6)When Elisha could have killed the enemies, he prepared food for them and allowed them to live and they went back home. (The Syrian Army) Jesus said I came to bring division.  He brings division because when all are in darkness, because of His goodness, some will return to him.  You spread your presence all over my head; my portion is more than I can hold.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Without doubt goodness and mercy will follow me every day throughout eternity. I will live in Your Word here on earth and eternally in heaven, I will be summoned by you every day of my life.

Song

23 Pslam