A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 By W. Phillip Keller – Chapter 12 Reflection:
How can you be as sure as David is when he says, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”?
In studying this Psalm, and pondering this question, I notice that David makes two big, bold statements here. The first is, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The second is “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Then, sandwiched in between, we see several other statements all describing David’s relationship to his Shepherd. It’s almost as if David is saying, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd, and here is how I know, and because of this, I can say with confidence that I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’
In light of this, I think by looking at the Psalm and comparing it to our own lives, we too can find that same confidence to say that I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Shepherd chose me and bought me with His blood. He cares for me, and He guides me through all this life can throw at me. He marks me with His Spirit. I listen for His voice, and though not without fault, I follow him.
The Lord is my Shepherd.
Because of my obedience to seek and pursue the Shepherd, He has transformed my life. I am a new creation. It is in Him that I find strength, and in Him, that I lack no good thing. In Him, and only Him, I find contentment.
I shall not want.
Fear has lost its grip on me. The Shepherd protects me from dangers all around me. He provides my every need, and I am well fed. The presence of my Master allows me to find rest.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
The Shepherd leads me to His well of living water. Though sometimes I fail, I do my best to rise early and drink. Only His word can quench my thirst and penetrate my soul.
He leads me beside still waters.
When I find myself becoming too comfortable, the Shepherd leads me to new pastures. He calls me deeper into relationship with Him.
He restores my soul.
Rather than leaving me to my destructive ways, the Shepherd calls me to a better path. He calls me to pick up my cross and follow him. My obedience brings glory to His name.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Through the valleys, the Shepherd never leaves my side. He guides me, He leads me, and He takes me to higher ground.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
With His Word the Shepherd searches me inside and out, He protects me from the predator lurking in the shadows, and He corrects me when I fall. With His Spirit He guides me, He leads me, gently into close fellowship, not only with other sheep but to Himself also.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The Shepherd goes before me. In His great love for me, He sacrifices Himself that I might live. I find comfort knowing that there is nothing that the enemy can throw at me that He has not already endured.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
With His Spirit, He anoints me daily. The Shepherd protects me from the influences of this world and guides my thoughts. When the storms of life come, He is there. Because His life was poured out, mine overflows.
You Anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Because the Shepherd first loved me, I love Him also, and I can love others. Because of His mercy, I can be merciful. Because of His grace, I can be graceful. Because of His forgiveness, I can forgive.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
With the Shepherd is where I belong. Satisfaction can be found nowhere else. It is in His care, his presence, that I am Home.
And I shall dwell in the house if the Lord forever.