The Lord is my Shepherd...
This is personal
...MY Shepherd. I can lay claim to the fact that He cares for
me. As the shepherd in the field will keep watch over his flock, so the Shepherd of my soul is ever watchful, protecting and guiding as only He can.
I shall not want...
I shall never lack. TLB makes it more plain, and says that because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I
need. The reason for this...
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters...
Knowing I have a personal and loving Shepherd, I am free from the fear of predators, thus I can rest, assured that the green pastures are safe and comforting...the waters are still and will not entrap me with the currents of rushing water.
I can lie down in peace and be refreshed by the water, knowing that I am watched and cared for just as if I were the only somebody in the world. It allows me to not yearn for things out of my grasp, for everything I need is provided in the green pastuures and beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul...
When my heart is heavy...when I feel that I am at my weakest or lowest point, the Almighty God of creation sends a word in due season. He restores my soul, bringing my heart and mind into alignment with His Word. He sets me on a straight and narrow path, lifting my bowed head and making me over again.
When man says it is all over, that crimson stream cleanses and restores and brings me once again in fellowship with the lover of my soul.
He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His Name's sake...
A shepherd will direct, prod, motivate, and command to ensure the safety of the sheep. Why would I not think that the Master Shepherd would not do this and more, leading me in paths that are right and holy?!
For His Name's sake and for the sake of the call on our lives, He leads and directs us away from the dangers of this world and onto the road of right living.
Just a few thoughts...
