By: Casey Zachary

Listen to Psalm 23 read in Kreyol

One commentator describes Psalm 23 as having “charmed more grief than all the philosophies in the world.” Certainly, this particular psalm has become so beloved and cherished because so many have encountered it during challenging times in their lives. People often turn to this text when confronted with the death of a loved one or hopeless feelings of their own. It is absolutely correct to understand the Bible teaches that God provides hope that extends beyond the troubles of this life. However, in Psalm 23, David’s focus is on the hope individuals have as God’s people in the present life. Whether we find ourselves in green pastures or in the valley of the shadow of death, we can trust that God is working on our behalf. Whether we sense we are by still waters or in the presence of our enemies, we can have confidence that God will refresh, protect, and sustain us according to his will.

We must be mindful to understand these are not absolute promises that David offers us as readers, but rather, they are characteristics of a pattern of how God deals with his people. These are timeless, applying to ancient Israel in the exodus, David as he wrote, the original readers as they read the scroll, and believers today.

If many of our Christian friends in Haiti are without food or drink and suffering, this does not negate the validity of the principles put forth in this psalm. If someone slanders my character in an unwarranted way and I cannot restore my name, it does not give me the right to blame God for not showing up my enemies. God is able to provide food for my friends in Haiti and expose the lies from my enemy, but I am not the one who determines or drives God’s will. While the Spirit dwelling in us strengthens us to pursue and promote justice, God is sovereign and I must trust that justice will come in his time and not my own.

It is also important to remember that we are not the “shepherd” or “host” of ourselves. Surely it is heightened in our culture, but the desire to run our lives as we please is a negative quality of our fallen human nature. Typically, we only turn to the true Shepherd or Host when we are in a heap of trouble. Although we learn God labors on our behalf when we are near the valley of the shadow of death and in the presence of our enemies, it is also important to note God is working in our lives, even when it seems eventless. So often we beseech God to do or be something to us, when we would be more comforted if we simply relaxed and considered what he already does and is in our lives. Essentially, it is the difference between whining in prayer and being thankful in prayer. We can pray passionately or plainly, but what is of importance is our attitude and authenticity in prayer. This psalm should not only elicit hope from us because of God’s power but should also cause us to reflect on his goodness to us and cultivate an attitude of gratefulness.

We should be thankful we have such a benevolent and diligent Shepherd.

Worry grips the heart of so many today. People are anxious they are missing opportunities or have failed at others. However, we must trust God to put us in the right place at the right time. He is a good Shepherd. He is a good host. Whether he cares for us how we want him to is not the issue. The fact that he cares for us in the way we need to be cared for is the issue. The shepherd values the sheep and has its best interest in mind. The host values the hostee and has his/ her best interest in mind. We can be confident, as children of God, that God values us and has our best interest in mind in the way he protects, provides, and leads us.