How fun is the Summer of Psalms?! The book of Psalms is so interesting and full of great wisdom! It was really hard to pick just one Psalm this week to break down for you...because there are SO many good ones to choose from. After much thought I decided on Psalm 23.
Psalm 23 is pretty short but it is packed with so many infamous lines I’m sure you’re familiar with. I picked Psalm 23 for this post because when you read the words, they are comforting and refreshing. I think they show the glory of God and how GREAT he is!
While reading through Psalm 23, I had many thoughts to break down for you this week.
23:1- How does God intend that we have no wants?
This verse doesn’t mean we will never want anything, but we will not be in want of anything. Basically, we can trust God for the essentials of life. We have to trust that He will provide for us!
23:3- How does God restore our souls?
To be restored means to be refreshed and strengthened. And in verse 3, David paints this beautiful piece of imagery of sheep being nourished with food and water. In the same way, God nourishes us spiritually and emotionally. His loving care puts our minds at ease so we can rest peacefully. It also equates us as being the sheep which is something we can see throughout Psalm 23.
23:3- How does God guide us?
God does not reveal every detail of his plan for our lives, even though there are plenty of times we wish He would! But we trust in His plan. We know there is an inner assurance that comes when we do His will and follow His plan for our lives. When we develop a close, dependent relationship with the Lord, it will help us follow His way. And if we do the things we know God wants us to do, we’ll discover more details about His will for us!
23:4- How could God’s rod and staff bring us comfort?
Historically, a shepherd used his staff to guide sheep, directing them and setting boundaries for them. He also used his rod as a weapon against predators. By guiding them into safe places and by fighting enemies, the shepherd’s rod and staff were a comfort for the sheep. We can relate this verse to us being the sheep and God being our shepherd, he protects us and guides us.
23:5- Why eat a meal when your enemies are nearby?
This picture that David describes may be understood in one of two ways. (1) A description of God’s protection and power, as David could eat in safety and security even though he was surrounded by enemies, or (2) a victory meal where David celebrated the defeat of his enemies, as they became prisoners without weapons and no longer dangerous. Either way this shows what great power the Lord has!
23:5- Why anoint with oil?
In Biblical times a good host would wash a guest’s feet and anoint his head prior to a meal that would be served. I think that is such a cool and special ceremony to share with your guests. We can also see links throughout the book of Psalms about an “Anointed One” (Psalm 2, 28). And the word “Messiah” actually comes from the Hebrew word for “Anointed”. When the Iraelites read this, they thought of their king. The early followers of Jesus recognized these words as a foreshadowing the Son of God. Oil has played a special role throughout the bible and what a beautiful tribute hosts would bestow upon their guests.
Credits:
Quest study bible
Comments