Psalms 23, Essay Example

Knowing that one could depend on another is specifically a distinct condition that brings a sense confidence. In the song of David noted in Psalms 23, the poet specifically gives a distinct description on how he knows and understands his relationship with God. In the first lines of the song, he mentions how God himself is his shepherd. David, the young man who fought with Goliath, a fearless and mighty giant Philistine, noted how he specifically trusted God’s strength in giving him the chance to win in such a fight with the supposed unbeatable warrior. Nevertheless, beyond being the strength behind him, David knew there was something more to the role that God plays in his being; a particular role that even people at present could highly benefit from.

In the first lines, the David mentions, “God is my shepherd”. In this metaphor, he points out on how God is like a shepherd to a sheep. A shepherd basically protects the sheep; heals the sick and makes sure that everyone in his flock is accounted for. Considerably, David wants his reader to picture God in the same manner. For instance, when one feels alone and afraid, God’s care could be felt. Through prayers, God himself calms down the ones who are at some point anxious about life and all the challenges it presents. Such assistance is given to those who actually trust his guidance and fully depends on his assistance. To understand further how God is considered as shepherd, Psalms 23 could be cross-referenced with other verses in the bible.

God, like a shepherd, leads his sheep. Take note how David continues to say, “I will lack nothing”…(2)” In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; he leads me to well-watered places”. Understandably, a shepherd will make sure that his flock has ample source of food and water for grazing and sustenance. In the same manner, God makes it certain that his loyal ones get what they need. Giving them biblical guidance on what to do when the need arises and how to decide on basic matters to make sure that they have a good source of living and an ample supply of sustaining resources, God makes sure that the people who trusts in him and makes his word as their daily guidance continue to gain access to matter that are essential for survival. It should be noted however that only those who trust him fully are the ones who are given such source of sustenance. This sense of trust is vital is and is specifically identifiable through full presentation of how an individual decides even on the most common issues that life presents him with. As noted in Jeremiah 10:23, “it does not belong to a man who is walking to even direct his step…” recognizing this and understanding that God can given the guidance needed by a person allows him to be fully guided by his shepherd, a matter that defines David’s kingship [as recorded in the bible].

In  verse four, the psalmist write how “he fears no harm even when he walks through the valley of deep shadow as he knows that God himself is with him”. In this line, he presents God as the almighty protector of the weak ones causing them not to fear anything that comes along their way. This is further supported by the words in Philippians 4:13 and James 1: 2-5 where it is noted how God gives his loyal ones the strength even beyond normal to face the different obstacles the life offers. This promise is not a superficial presentation of how God uses his power to make sure that his followers get the protection they need. Most often than not, such strength comes in form of spiritual capacity to face life with integrity and hope amidst all the different challenging and depressing situations that life presents.

In verse 5, David describes how God himself prepares a table full of sustenance and how his head is refreshed with oil and his cup completely filled up to its brim; a sense of an assurance that he would not go hungry nor would he become tired of all that life has to offer. Take note though that in this line, the psalmist himself do identify food and substance with spiritual matters as noted in Matthew 5:3. There it is mentioned how the spiritually conscious individuals would experience what is meant by real happiness. They are sustained with an abundance of spiritual food that the world sorely needs. Amidst the blindness that the world has over the truth, God’s loyal ones remain well-fed, understanding life and its twists and turns at a better light thus allowing them to survive living with full command of the happiness and contentment they have in terms of spiritual substance.

Repeatedly, David mentions how God never leaves those who are loyal to him. His capacity to provide is beyond compare. Spiritual strength and sustenance is what the world is in dire need of at present. Notably, God understands such needs and sees to it that those who trust him are given the attention they deserve. Being the ‘great shepherd’, God is described as the one who provides and protects his sheep, making sure that they are well fed and that they are protected from the many heartaches that life presents. No, God will not cover his sheep from consequences of their own actions, nevertheless, if they willingly submit themselves to God’s loving hands, he will make sure that he will guide them in the way that they shall be shielded from the pains of having to deal with wrong decisions and the consequences that come along with it.

References

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. (1984). International Bible Students: Brooklyn, New York.

Psalms 23. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=KJV. (Retrieved on February 3, 2014)

Psalms 23. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=NKJV. (Retrieved on February 3, 2014)

Psalms 23. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23. (Retrieved on February 3, 2014)