1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
The shepherd is always with his sheep: to lead, guide, and protect them. He knows that we would get lost without him. Without him we wander. We get tangled in the underbrush. But we don't have to do it without him. He's right there- he is the good shepherd and he leads us to places of nourishment and refreshing. I just need to follow his presence. That is the place of rest, refreshing, and nourishing. He is our rest. He refreshes our souls.
3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
The valleys are the low places in our lives. Those places of struggle and discouragement. Where we feel unseen. Those places where shadows threaten us. Think about a shadow: it is something that appears to have form, but lacks all substance. Your shadow may not be the shadow of death, it may be the shadow of failure. Or rejection. Or lack. Or not being enough. "Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of (failure, rejection, lack, not being enough). I will fear or dread NO EVIL, for YOU ARE WITH ME." God promises you, no matter where you are, he is there with you. No matter what shadows may threaten to overtake you, you do not need to fear. He is there. He's got this. His protection overshadows you, and you can take comfort in that.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
What is happening when we are in the presence of our enemies? We are battling. There is war raging. Enemies do not sit still and quiet in front of you. They attack. They shout & scream & threaten. We are tired and grow weary of the fight. We wonder about the outcome. We search for the bravery to continue. In the middle of all this, God says, "Stop." In the middle of the battle, when we are weary and worn, he says, "Come." He prepares a table. Not of scraps, not of meager rations, but of BLESSING. The table God prepares for you is a huge feast of ABUNDANCE. He says, "Come. Taste and see that I am good." The table is filled with overflowing platters of all that you could want or need. Overflowing amounts of peace. Overflowing amounts of healing. Overflowing amounts of provision. Overflowing amounts of strength. Overflowing amounts of wisdom. It does not matter that the enemy is all around you, in their very presence God prepares bountiful blessings for you, and he invites you to come and receive all he has for you. Come, and partake. Eat to your fill. ALL that you need. He has provided for you and prepared for you. He has made all the preparations for the feast and wants ALL to come in and partake. No beggars here. We are all royal, invited guests for the banquet of the king.
In regards to the oil mentioned in the scripture, the Amplified Bible notes this: It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs—in heavenly fellowship with Him.
6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me. That doesn't mean they are trailing after me, trying to catch up. No. Goodness, mercy and unfailing love are pursuing me. I do not have to worry about an enemy pursuing me, because it is God's goodness, mercy and unfailing love which pursue me and defend me. Like a shadow that does not leave, these blessings are attached to me and I cannot separate myself from them. God is a part of me, and with him he brings his whole house- his presence- which brings with it every good thing that he is.
I hope that these thoughts from my heart have been an encouragement to you. If you feel like you are in a valley, or you are weary from a battle, God is inviting you to come. Come into his presence. Be refreshed, be renewed. Let him nourish your soul with every good thing. Spend time in his presence and you will find that which you seek. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
God Bless You,
Lisa
