Reflections From Psalm 23

No matter where my journey takes me in life, Psalm 23 has been a constant companion. It brings me comfort in my greatest times of need, and reminds me of the care and protection of my Good Shepherd.

I would like to share with you a few of my reflections. I pray that they will minister to your heart in your time of need.

Psalm23_FMF

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord cares for and watches over me, and provides all that I need. He is my Caretaker, Shepherd, Overseer, Guidance Counselor, Daddy God, Father, Provider and Giver of all things.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. (Psalm 23:2-3)

The Lord brings me rest, peace and refreshment. He helps me to be still in His presence so that He can bring peace and refreshment to my soul. The Lord provides strength for my weary heart and enables me to walk forward on my journey.

He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:4)

The Lord guides me into righteousness so that my life will glorify Him. The Lord has given me the necessary tools to live a Godly life. I have His Word and the Holy Spirit who is my teacher.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; (Psalm 23:4a)    

The Lord is close to me in the lowest of times, and I need not fear. Even though I may walk through dark times, I trust that God is with me even there. It is in those times where I press into Him, spending more time in His presence, letting Him love on me. When I am close to him, all the worldly cares fall off.

your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. (Psalm 23: 4b)

The Lord’s authority over my life brings protection and comfort. As long as I am walking in the ways of the Lord, his authority and protection abide with me. When I choose to step outside of His will, then He may remove that authority and protection for a season, but only to draw me back to Him.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies; (Psalm 23:5a)

The Lord provide’s a feast for me, even in the presence of my enemies. I will have trials, but if I feast on His word, and learn to be still in His presence, it makes walking through those times much easier. I want to feast on His word!!!!

you anoint my head with oil; (Psalm 23:5b)

The Lord anoints me and sets me apart for service to Him. I was reminded of Jesus and how he was anointed for burial. When I gave my life to Christ, I became dead to my old nature, and alive again in Him. My old nature has been buried with Christ, and my new nature has been made alive by the anointing and power of Jesus Christ.

my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5c)

The Lord provides abundant blessings to me, too many to count! My cup is always full. I often don’t realize it, and tend to look at life as though my cup is half empty. I have so much to be thankful for. He has blessed me abundantly.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life, (Psalm 23:6a)

The Lord’s goodness and unfailing love pursue me all of my life. This is by far my favorite verse. I picture myself running down the street, being closely followed by goodness and unfailing love. What does that look like? Oh that Jesus would come and overtake me with His love!

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. (Psalm 23:6b)

The Lord provides a place for me to dwell with him forever! The best part is, I get to live with God forever!

How does Psalm 23 speak to you in your time of need?

4 Responses to Reflections From Psalm 23
  1. Wanda
    January 12, 2015 | 1:49 pm

    The 23rd Psalms was one of the first passage of scripture I remember learning as a child. Only now as I have gotten older has it really taken on more depth of meaning to me. I didn’t understand back that just how much was packed into that passage. Beautiful reflections Barbie.

  2. mary gemmill
    January 14, 2015 | 2:57 am

    Barbie,,,,, loved this….and really appreciated it today.
    My daughter’s marriage has just come to a horrible end,,,,,and she is in mission in Thailand,,,,so hard….. so thank you.
    These words bring such a presence of God into any such situation.
    Whenever things are hard, I declare:
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life, (Psalm 23:6a)

    May Jehovak Jireh, your provider and mine…supply all your needs out of His riches in glory……where we shall one day dwell with Him forever.

  3. Melissa
    January 16, 2015 | 9:33 am

    This is such an encouraging post! Psalm 23 is one of those passages that I know by heart, but haven’t really meditated on.

  4. Shelly Hendricks (
    January 16, 2015 | 12:37 pm

    Barbie, this Psalm has been popping up all over for me this month. Loved reading your thoughts. You are a blessing to me. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3