Still Waters

Most Christians know the 23rd Psalm. It's short, yet profound, and many have put it to music. Probably more people have memorized it. But the old saying was that familiarity breeds contempt. And while I doubt that this Psalm isn't loved, hearing it too often can dull the meaning. So today, I'm going to explore that meaning. I've done all the research, so you don't have to. But hopefully, this will bless you as much as me. So, sit tight, take a deep breath, and let's get into it!

The Lord is my sheperd.

Shepherds would take care of sheep. But more than just being poetic David was a shepherd. So he wrote what he knew, as he often had that task. Still, more than David, or any human, the Lord takes perfect care of our every need.

I shall not want.

This doesn't mean you won't desire anything ever again, or that christians shouldn't. I've talked about this elsewhere, but as the Psalms were written 2,000+ years ago, the wording is ancient. But some translations say, "I shall not be in want." Which is an old way of saying, you'll have every need provided for.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

Back to shepherds for a moment. Their main goal was to "pasture" the sheep. This gave them food, waste facilities, a place to sleep. And it's where we get the word, pastor. But as the supreme head of every church, the Lord provides everything.

He leads me beside still waters.

Carrying on with that provided for theme, water is a major need. Sure, it keeps sheep alive, but it does so many other things. Bathing, agriculture, extinguishing. And in all those contexts, Christ is living water, to all who recieve.

The Lord restoreth my soul.

I won't get into what "soul" means. But the beauty of this is that, by providng for our physical needs, He also cares for us spiritually, allowing us rest and refreshing.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow death.

Notice he didn't say "of death." Because this, in a way, is worse. It's that shadow, that gloom, of when somone you love has died, or you think you might. It's pure misery.

He prepares a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.

But the Lord doesn't leave! No, He keeps providing, laying out a feast. Right in front of your enemies. So that either they'll be intimdated, or you can share and make peace. Because He thinks of everything.

He annoints my head with oil.

This, I think, might be the best part. Once your enemies are taken care of, He welcomes you into the family. Annointed with oil, by the once and future King. We've not only been made clean, and recieved every need, here He's giving us everything.

My cup runneth over.

See? Grace is just so good, so abundant, that David can barely grasp the reality. He tried to hold out his goblet, gratefully, but God's goodness just keeps on coming. To you, and to me, for all eternity.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Okay, this might be the best bit. Although, that adoption allows us to do this thing. Which is pretty great, I'm sure you'll agree. But nothing cold be better than just hanging out forever with our Lord and God and King.

I hope that blessed you. If so, please consider buying me a cup of coffee, to keep me going.

https://buy.stripe.com/dRm5kF0KC0eL7xuf0seEo08

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