Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is easy to recite and a marvelous poem. One of the psalms written by King David. Being David’s favorite psalm, which portrays God’s holy, divine and unfailing love. This psalm can be read during times of joy, sadness, loneliness or hopelessness. After meditating on each six verses of the psalm, you shall seek comfort and peace.

Psalm 23 speaks about the Lord Jesus (very verses; vv.1-3) and to the Lord Jesus (vv. 4-6). We (sheep; see also John 10: 1-5) identifies Him as  my shepherd (vv. 1; see also John 10:14), thus indicating a close relationship with Him. And in this relationship of shepherd and sheep, we lack nothing, for example, the green pastures of kingdom life (v. 2; see also John 10:10) ;the still waters of baptism (v.2; see also John 3:5) and the conversion of the soul to the paths of righteousness (v.3; see also John 10: 3,4 -7). In speaking to the Lord, we are grateful to Him

(1) for deliverance from the fear of death (v.4; see also Heb 2 :14,15)

(2) for the Eucharist (v.5; see also Lk 22:14-20)

(3) for a lifetime of mercy (v.6; see also Lk 1:50,54).

Psalm 23 helps us to understand mercy and kindness of Lord Jesus. King David was not only a poet, but also was a prophet who prophesied about Christ in his psalms. David who , with profound love, claims God as “my shepherd”. Showing a sweet and caring nature of our God, we need to fear nothing. We will be taken good care by our Lord.

Testaments promises us salvation and new testament fulfills old testament by the coming of foretold Messiah. The above references prove that our Lord orchestrates all things carefully and majestically. He does this through judges, kings, queens, prophets, and prophetesses. Jesus came down from heaven and became man. He sacrificed Himself and died on the cross. He rose again from the dead and ascended into heaven. Now, He is with Father Jehovah and shall come again to take us to a new heaven. Christ redeemed us from our sins. God, the father, sacrificed His only son for mankind. His love is the greatest gift to us all.

For God says my sheep knows my voice, they would follow me. We all are his sheep, aren’t we? All we need to seek Him and He will answer. For He has the power and authority which no one has. It is written in the Bible. A good shepherd fights wild animals to protect his own sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) A hired servant would prefer to run away to save his life. He would leave the flocks to wild animals. Christ for us fought Satan. It’s not hard to be His sheep, repent for your sins, love and honor God. Start talking to God, through prayers and hymns, you will be surely answered. God loves us all, you, me and everyone. Love God and you shall seek peace.

I am from Indian Malankara Orthodox Syrian church, one of the sisters of oriental orthodox church. I believe God Jesus is my eternal Father. He wants us to be with Him by believing in Him. We can also be with Him by calling out to Him. Satan tempts us with earthly pleasure to separate us from our heavenly Father. It’s not the length of prayer or your offerings God needs, but a good heart. Do you know why Psalm 23 uses shepherd? It’s because King David was a young and good shepherd of his father Jesse’s sheep. This psalm is very personal to King David. Notice the striking similarity. Lord Jesus is a good shepherd of Father Jehovah’s sheep. We are His beloved sheep.

Sheep and lambs hold a cherished place in Christian faith. They symbolize innocence, gentleness, and purity. They also reflect the sacrificial love of Christ as the Lamb of God. As followers, Christians are likened to sheep cared for by Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He lovingly guides, protects, and leads the flock to safety. The lamb’s vulnerability and trust highlight the deep spiritual dependence and surrender to God’s grace in the journey of faith.

Interesting science fact, the sheep are usually very quiet and gentle, holding themselves aloof from the world. In a herd, all the sheep tend to listen to their leaders and show esteem to them. Because of the obedient character, sheep are among the most popular animals beloved by mankind.

Today, everyone thirsts for affection. Ironically, we sometimes take someone for granted. We know deep down in our hearts that they are always there for us. Someone who cares for you like parents, siblings, teachers or spouses, anyone. Although, human love is imperfect, complex and can be conditional. Knowingly or unknowingly human emotions can corrupt or change with regards to worldly influences. Christ’s love is simple, divine and pure. Christ loves us unconditionally, we are not perfect but seek near perfection to praise perfect God. For Christ highlights two important commandments, love your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Second, love your neighbor as yourself. The Good Samaritan parable reminds us that our neighbor is not defined by proximity or similarity, but by shared humanity. Every person, despite differences, is worthy of compassion and love. ) Love and kindness heals any ailment, mentally or physically. Love God, believe in Him and be good to others. Hope nothing in return, for expectations not met causes immense pain. I do hope that this was helpful. I want to conclude by quoting, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. (v. Mt 7:7)

~J George Thomas (AKA A Thomas)

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