I recently decided to read Psalm 23 as if it was my first time to read it – with a fresh learner’s mindset. I got rid of any familiarity to scripture and prayed to the Holy Spirit for new insight and revelation. I was pleasantly surprised by the richness of this passage from the word of God. Try reading it slowly, word by word and meditating on it before you read my fresh deep understanding of it. You will get renewed faith and encouragement from God Himself. Here it is.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not [a]want.
2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures; He leads me beside the [c]still waters.3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. All the days of my life; And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord [e]Forever.
The first whisper I got was to compare it with Jesus’ prayer to ‘out father’. The similarities are amazing!
First, the idea of a shepherd (omurisa in runyankore)! I come from a cattle keeping culture and the word omurisa is serious! As soon as omurisa appears, the animals are assured of a wholesome life! Surely what is there to miss with omurisa around!
It is even better when the omurisa your father (from Jesus’ prayer!). I took a long time trying to take in the powerful fact that my heavenly father, the almighty God, sovereign and all powerful is my shepherd – spirit, soul and body! How assuring! How blessed and secure I felt!
He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me besides still waters! This speaks of provision. Pasture is like daily bread – nutritional nourishment for my body and water is life. I will never go hungry!
He restores my soul and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake! This is His kingdom coming and His will being done in my life and all around me! Ooh my God! Do you feel this?
When I go through the valley of the shadow of death I will not fear because He is with me. May the Lord not lead us into temptation but deliver us from all that is evil! Of course His rod and stuff will ensure this.
He prepares a banquet before me in the presence of my enemies. As I forgive my enemies, He forgives me and takes charge, compensating me. Why would I then carry offense when He can handle it better than me?!
He anoint me – Anointing is for cleansing and empowering for effectiveness.
Lastly, if God’s goodness and mercies follow me, and I dwell in His presence constantly, surely what more do I need? Because this justification leads to favour and abundance – for His glory!!
I feel full, whole, complete and blessed in every way!
COME LORD JESUS!
