Psalm 23 (The Shepherd's Psalm) — Prayer · jesusTALK

Original Prayer

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul; he leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even 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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Context (Old Covenant)

Psalm from the Old Testament, an expression of faith under the Old Covenant.

What it teaches

Guidance, provision, comfort; trust in darkness; God's nearness instead of fear.

Realization in the New Covenant

Psalm 23 is David's confession of trust under the Old Covenant. David knew God as shepherd, but not yet as Father. In the New Covenant, the picture goes deeper:

›Jesus calls himself "the good shepherd" (Joh 10:11), he laid down his life
›The Holy Spirit dwells IN you (1Cor 3:16), God is not just "with you" but in you
›"I shall not want", In Christ you are blessed with everything (Eph 1:3)
›Instead of hoping for future protection: Present reality of security in Christ

Prayer in the New Covenant

Jesus, you are my good shepherd. You laid down your life for me. Thank you that I lack nothing in you. Even in darkness, you are not just with me, you live in me. I receive your peace and walk in your guidance today. Amen.