Daily Devotion in Psalm 23

PSalm header from 1611 KJV

Daily Nugget:
Although prophetic at the time it was written, this Psalm is about our living Saviour. Psalm 23 teaches who Jesus is to all. It is one of the Bible's most used and memorized chapters as it encourages and comforts those amid troubles and facing a fearful future.

This chapter teaches:

As David said, Jesus would be our shepherd (Psalm 23:1). He is the trustworthy One who can safely lead one through life if He is allowed.
Jesus knows we are like sheep: stubborn and prone to go wayward. Sheep, I have read, only lay down when they are fed and taken care of. In verse two, we read that those who faithfully obey and follow Him will be led to places where their needs are met. What a good shepherd He is.
When the cares of this world lay heavy burdens on us, and we are exhausted from the load, Jesus will encourage us to continue. He will always lead us in the right direction if we will faithfully follow and heed His leadership (Psalm 23:3).
Each of us is getting closer to our last moments on this Earth every day. Our death should be nothing to fear for a believer, as it is only a shadow. Most are not afraid of a shadow. It always follows us, as does the demise of each of us, but with Jesus’ guidance, even death should not make us afraid. Our Shepherd can also be our comforter.
Our Saviour can always be trusted to protect His own from ensuing enemies and dangers (Psalm 23:4). A shepherd's rod is a short throwing stick to keep his charges safe from ravening wolves and other enemies. His “staff” is a longer stick that hooks sheep and pulls them from dangers in the field. With His help, Jesus can be relied on to protect His own from perilous situations.
Although one may face hurt and humiliation during one’s lifetime, one day those faithfully following the good Shepherd will be elevated among oppressors (Psalm 23:5).

A God-obeying believer and follower is on the winning side and, with His leadership, will receive far more than he deserves. Even more undeserved, His “sheep” will one day live with Him in eternity. He is so good to those who follow and obey Him.

Today’s Thought:
“To put it succinctly, in Psalm 22, we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd’s crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King’s crown). In Psalm 22, Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23, He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24, He is the Sovereign. In Psalm 22, He is the foundation; in Psalm 23, He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24, He is the expectation. In Psalm 22, He dies; in Psalm 23, He is living; in Psalm 24, He is coming. Psalm 22 speaks of the past. Psalm 23 speaks of the present, and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. In Psalm 22, He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23, He gives His love for the sheep; in Psalm 24, He gives us light when He shall appear. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three Psalms.” — Thru the Bible by J. Vernon McGee, Vol 2, Page 711

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 23
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.