Last week, we focused on Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.”
Today, let’s explore Psalm 23:2, “He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.”
Diet and drink were very important for the sheep and it was the shepherd’s responsibility to help the sheep have both. Diet and drink are also important for our well-being. Our Shepherd/the LORD is committed to providing for us as well. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:19, wrote, “And this same God who takes care of me, will supply all of your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
God is not poor. His resources are limitless. In Philippians 4:13, we read, “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
It is amazing some of the things that people believe —
· I can do everything through drugs (even if it kills me).
· I can do everything through the right contacts.
· I can do everything through the job I have or want.
· I can do everything through money if I have enough.
· I can do everything through good health and vitality.
These are things that Satan wants us to believe, but they are all lies. He is a liar and the father of lies. Paul had it right: “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Did you know that sheep always eat standing up? Once they are satisfied, they look for a shady spot to lie down and chew their cud. In this verse, David gives us a picture of satisfaction and contentment. Have you noticed how easy it is to take a nap right after you have had a satisfying meal that includes something to quench your thirst?
Paul, in Philippians 4:11-12, wrote, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”
Right about now, I am beginning to think that Paul was reflecting on the 23rd Psalm as he wrote to the people in Philippi. Many of the truths that the Apostle brings forward are found in Psalm 23.
Dr. Morgan wrote, “If we are under the Shepherd’s ownership and care, He’ll see to it that every need in our lives is met in one way or another — our external needs, our internal needs, and our eternal needs.”
As people under the Lord’s care, we need to feed on the truths and promises in God’s word. The Holy Spirit will supply “Streams in the Desert” or “Living Waters” for us to drink from. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
Many years ago, William Evans wrote, “It is generally recognized as being a very difficult thing to get God’s people to thus lie down. They will do almost anything and everything else but that. They will run, walk, fight, sing, teach, preach, and work … in a word, do almost anything and everything except seek seasons of quiet, and periods of retirement for secret communication with God. We do not like pause … from the rush into the hush which Jesus calls us.”
God’s word is with precious promises from our Creator, to provider and deliverer. The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and God’s faithfulness to fulfill all His promises. In His word, we can find freedom from addictions, deliverance from sin and evil, financial provision, hope for the lost and hurting family and friends, overcoming depression, recovering a marriage, good healthy healing, being free from fear and anxiety, strength, and many more blessings and gifts that God promises to provide for those who believe and rest in Him.
In 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) we read “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him, by which have been given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
These promises are great because they come from a great God, and by embracing them, they will lead us into a great life.
Dear ones, avail yourselves of all that our Shepherd promises and provides. There is no lack with Him.
I am satisfied in Jesus,
Pastor Leonard
