Words That Matter: The Lord is My Shepherd

By Andrea Merrell

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I will lack nothing because He liberally supplies every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He will do abundantly above all I could ask or even imagine. All good and perfect gifts come down from the Father, and He will give me the desires of my heart as I delight in and trust in Him.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He has me lie down in, take refuge in, and be sustained by lush, green pastures full of spiritual, emotional, and physical nourishment. He invites me to rest in Him.

He leads me beside the still waters and restores my soul.

He leads me beside cool, clean, still waters of rest, refreshment, and regeneration where He restores my soul. He fills me with the peace that passes all understanding. He washes me with the water of His Word and makes me clean within and without.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness.

He leads me in every right path. His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. He fills me with all godly wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. He sets me on a solid rock and a firm foundation. Everything He does is for His glory, His plan, and His purpose.

He leads me through the dark valley.

Even though I walk through valleys with shadows of death and destruction, I will never be afraid of evil, for He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. He has promised to never leave or forsake me, and His perfect love casts out all fear. His rod and staff correct me, comfort me, protect me, and keep me on a right and straight path.

He prepares a lavish table for me.

In the very midst of all my enemies, He prepares a lavish banquet table with all manner of spiritual and physical sustenance. He gives me all things that pertain to life and godliness.

He anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over.

He pours the anointed oil of gladness on my head, and my cup runs over with His joy and with all the fullness of life.

His Goodness and Mercy follow me.

Without a doubt, the mercy, goodness, blessings, and favor of God will follow me each and every day that I live on this earth. Then I will dwell in His great house. His kingdom. The place He has prepared just for me, forever and ever, world without end.

The Lord is my shepherd. What else could I possibly need?

Happy New Year, everyone!