19(Psalm 023)From He to You

“The Lord is” … that is enough for me. The Lord exists. The great I am.

“The Lord is my shepherd”. Not a shepherd, nor even the shepherd. But “my” shepherd.

And look at the kind of shepherd he is. “I shall not want”.

Five facts follow in rapid succession:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures” – because I won’t take the time to do so.

“He leads me beside the still waters” – because I seek the rush of raging rivers.

“He restores my soul” – because I use up the soul with anxiety and worry.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness” – because I take the wrong turn all the time.

“He leads me for His name’s sake” – because I have not given that enough thought.

Transition from “He” to “you”. Notice change between 1-3 and 4-6.

Perhaps the answer is in the word “valley”.

Before were “green pastures and still waters and paths of righteousness”.

But “valley” is quickly followed by foreboding words: “shadow, death, evil, enemies”.

But David does not fear any of these. Why? “for you are with me”.

He shifts from talking about God to talking to God. He senses more than ever the abiding presence of the Lord – a very real presence that will walk with him through the valley, right into the house of the Lord where he will dwell forever and ever.

God wants us to live and move and have our being in His presence, free from fear.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

God’s loving assurance: Fear not, for I am with you.

Our faith response: I will not fear, for You are with me.