The LORD is My Shepherd

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 23:1-6. Psalm 23 is a Psalm of David. David begins this Psalm by saying, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” David compares the LORD to a shepherd.

A shepherd takes care of his sheep. He makes sure they have everything they need, including plenty of food and water. A shepherd makes sure that his sheep are not in “want” of anything. The shepherd protects his sheep from anything that may seek to harm them. He leads them along the way. The paths that the sheep traveled were often times very narrow and sometimes on steep terrains. Jesus is referred to as the “Good Shepherd.”

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus tells us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

David says even though he faces death he is not afraid, because he knows the LORD is watching over him, protecting him, and guiding every step of his path. David finds comfort in the LORD’S presence.

This is a very popular Psalm. It is one of my favorites. I remember reading this Psalm to my grandma not long before she passed away. This Psalm has also been a great comfort to me in times of trouble in my life. When my mother passed away and I was so distraught this Psalm brought me so much comfort. Many times as my heart was so broken I couldn’t even think of the words to pray, I would recite this Psalm to the Lord and it would comfort me and reassure me that He was right by my side taking care of me in my time of grief. It reminds me that God is in control and no matter what happens He is right by my side guiding me as I walk through this life.

David felt sure that goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life and when his life was over he knew he would dwell with the LORD forever. Do you have that assurance in your life?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 23:1-6

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.

 

Things to think about:

• How does a shepherd care for his sheep?
• How does this compare to the way the LORD cares for His children?
• How can we use this Psalm to encourage ourselves and others in times of trouble?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. Thank You that David reminds us that You are our shepherd and we can trust You to care for us. Help us to put our complete faith and trust in You and not worry about the future. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

 

– Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30 Download your copy!

 

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Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30 by Deborah H. Bateman is part of the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from the enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms Part 1 Chapters 1-30 contains thirty-one Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or groups.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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