Study 4 THE SWEETEST PSALM OF ALL
(Scripture Portion: Psalm 23)

This psalm is undoubtedly one of the best loved passages in the Bible. Whoever we are, wherever we are and whatever circumstances we are in, it has its message for us. The whole psalm is a wonderful illustration of the truth expressed in Proverbs 4:18. The position of the psalm is significant. Psalm 22 is PAST tense and speaks to us of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); Psalm 23 is PRESENT tense and speaks to us of the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21); and Psalm 24 is FUTURE tense, speaking to us of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

The key that unlocks the whole psalm is the opening phrase: "The Lord is my shepherd…" He is a shepherd, but best of all, He is my shepherd. Is He yours? It is only when we know Him that the blessings of the rest of the psalm become ours. It is possible to know the psalm without knowing the shepherd; it is better to know both!

1. If the Lord is my Shepherd - POSSESSION - verse 1 assures me that "I shall not be in want."

Verse 1 has two parts, and the one cannot be divorced from the other. Possessing Christ, we possess all things. If He is mine and I am His, how can I ever be in want? Look up Philippians 4:19 and Colossians 2:9-10. "I shall not be in want" – of what? "Any good thing" (Psalm 34:9-10). Notice the good things which are enumerated in the following verses: Security (1), provision (2,5), rest (2), refreshment (2), guidance (2,3), restoration (3), comfort (4), protection (4,5), enduement (5), satisfaction (5), prospect (6). Now look up 1 Corinthians 3:21-23!

2. If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 2 describes the POSITION into which I am brought.

It is one of complete satisfaction. What is the secret of this satisfaction?

1. The sheep are fully satisfied because the Shepherd provides perfect conditions for them. Green pastures and still waters. Perfect rest and refreshment! Notice that the sheep lie down, something a sheep will never do while it is hungry. Here, then, is perfect satisfaction. Are you fully satisfied with Jesus?
2. The sheep are fully satisfied because the Shepherd is in full control of them. "He makes me to lie down…He leads me…" By nature we are foolish, wandering sheep (Isaiah 53:6), but if the Lord is our shepherd He assumes full responsibility for us; He gently makes us to lie down and He leads us in the way of His gracious provision.

This is the secret of a fully satisfied life. It is not only the Shepherd's provision that satisfies – the green pastures and the still waters – it is His presence that satisfies. Is He in control of your life?

3. If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 3 tells me I shall have POWER to go straight.

Sheep are foolish. They wander away, fall into a ditch here or get caught in a thicket there. Then what? The shepherd goes out and restores the sheep. And how often He has to do it!
But He not only restores the sheep; He gives them power to walk in straight paths – "in paths of righteousness". A literal rendering of "He restores my soul" is "He turns back my desires". When He restores us He takes from us the very desire to wander – the love of sinning; then gives us the power to walk in His way of holiness and love. Has He restored you, and are you receiving power from Him to please Him? Look up Philippians 2:13.

4. If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 4 assures me that I shall know the PRESENCE of the Shepherd at all times.

1. He promises to be with me in the VALLEY. The picture here is of sheep being led through a deep gorge, on either side of which are caves where lions and bears live. But the shepherd is there, with me, to comfort and protect me. The sheep are never alone in the valley – the shepherd is always there!
2. He is with me in the SHADOW. Death to the Christian is only a shadow; after the shadow there is sunshine for ever! – look up John 10:11 and 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. We may not have to die (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), but if we have to He will be with us. No Christian ever dies alone.
3. He is greater than my FEARS. The presence of Christ is the antidote for fear – look up Isaiah 43:1-2; Matthew 14:27; Hebrews 13:5-6. If the Lord is my shepherd, I need fear nothing.

5. If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 5 tells me of the wonderful PROTECTION He gives.

Why a table? In the east, the pastureland is so covered with insects and harmful creatures that the shepherd used to place the food for his flock on little raised "tables" to enable them to feed safely in the presence of these "enemies". Our enemies are constantly around us, seeking to harm us, but our Shepherd protects us by raising us above them, and in that exalted position He gives us the oil of gladness and blessings that overflow – look up Ephesians 1:3.

6. If the Lord is my Shepherd, verse 6 tells me of the glorious PROSPECT that is mine.

What is this prospect? Goodness and mercy for all my days down here, and then - in the palace of the King for ever! Thank God, everyone who can truly say the first five words in verse 1 can also say the last twelve words in verse 6! To sum up:

1. beneath me, "green pastures";
2. beside me, "quiet waters";
3. with me, "my shepherd";
4. before me, "a table";
5. around me, "my enemies";
6. upon me, "anointing";
7. after me, "goodness and love";
8. beyond me, "the house of the Lord".