Rick Osborn | Life Coach, Nutrition, Fitness & Graphic Designer

Over the years, I’m sure almost everyone has heard the 23rd Psalm at a funeral or quoted in church or posted somewhere. In fact, many have dedicated this great Psalm to memory, including myself. But I wonder how many of us have truly examined it to see how it might apply to our lives in a very practical sense? In line with what I’ve been writing lately, I thought it appropriate to break it out line for line - as a means of encouragement for any of us who find ourselves in the midst of difficult circumstance and frustration.

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

We all are like sheep much of the time, clueless and in desperate need of protection and direction. If we allow Him to be, God will be our Shepherd, the one who will watch over us, protect us and make sure that we have everything we need to make it through difficult times.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;

As a part of trusting God to be our Shepherd, He makes every provision for us, and brings us to a beautiful place where we can rest, be rejuvenated. The above statement is a real image of a beautiful, peaceful setting where we as sheep find comfort and relaxation. It is there that He calms us and restores our soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Humans are like sheep in that we are easily led astray and prone to wander into danger. If we trust the Lord, He will lead us in the right direction. He has our best interest at heart and wants us to become more and more like Him in our journey. We were made in His image and He loves us, desiring that we follow Him and do the right thing. He will never lead us astray.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;

This is the part that seems to speak directly about death, however I believe that it can easily be applied to ANY difficulty that we happen to be facing at the moment. The truth is that when confronted with difficult circumstances (whether by our own hand or that of someone else’s), it can feel as serious as facing death. Or, perhaps we simply want to die to escape the pain. Here, the promise is that even in the midst of my horrible situation, in the cloud of fear and frustration - we have nothing to be afraid of if we trust Him, because He is with us. Plain and simple, we are not alone - even though it may sometimes feel that way.

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

To me, the above statement has a dual meaning. Humans (not unlike sheep) need to be prodded from time to time to stay on course. A shepherd has a rod or staff that he uses to keep his sheep in line. In like manner, sometimes God has to use harsh methods to teach us valuable lessons, otherwise we wouldn’t progress or mature in the faith. This should be greatly encouraging to us for it means that God cares enough to watch over us and push us in the right direction. It’s the same as a parent who punishes a child, not out of some sadistic desire, but because he/she loves the child and wants what’s best for him.

The second meaning of the above verse, I believe, may have to do with divine retribution. The theme of “vengeance is mine, thus says the Lord” permeates Scripture. It’s not up to us to seek revenge, but rather it’s a matter for God to handle. It could be that the comfort and security that “the rod” and “the staff” give the Psalmist comes from the fact that God is our great Protector, the One who will fight our battles for us and keep us from harm, crushing or warding off the enemy. The shepherd used his rod or staff to keep wild animals from attacking defenseless sheep. How awesome is it that God does the same for us, if we trust Him!

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Quite simply, right in front of the enemy, even in dangerous territory, God provides for us, feeding us and giving us everything we need.

You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

In Biblical times, in a hot climate, people were anointed with oil to protect the body from over-perspiration. Sometimes they even added perfume or herbs to the oil to help invigorate the body as well. The word “oil” in the Bible typically represents the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the above statement demonstrates that God fills us with his Spirit, refreshing, invigorating and empowering us to the point of abundance or overflowing, so that we have what we need to not only overcome our difficulties and “run the race” of life with success, but to also bless others with that wisdom and abundance.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

These last couple of declarations are the prize - the reward. If we trust Him along the way, even in the midst of adversity, He promises goodness and mercy or lovingkindness to span our earthly lives. The ultimate promise - to dwell in the house of the Lord for eternity.

Certainly that’s something to smile about!

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