The Paths of Righteousness (Part 1)

Psalm 23:3, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness”.

There is no doubt that the 23rd Psalm pertains to what Proverbs 4:23 calls “the issues of life.” In fact, you will notice that at the end of this psalm the psalmist reflects upon the whole realm of what he has proclaimed here, and as he ponders the record, he declares, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE: and I WILL DWELL in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6) It is interesting that the only reference to what lay beyond this life in eternity is the future tense reference in verse 6 where he states, “I WILL DWELL in the house of the Lord forever.” I mention this to show that this one verse defines a very clear thought pattern that is interwoven throughout the fullness of this text.

The whole content of Psalm 23 basically assures me of two things. First, it assures me that my Great Shepherd will faithfully guide me through this life. Second, this psalm assures me that He will finally get me safely to that eternal rest which awaits the saints of God beyond this mortal coil! This psalm is a promise of His presence, power, provision, and protection, not merely at the time of death, but in particular, throughout “ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE”! You see, while most people use this psalm as a means of comfort in the time of death, it is “My Life” that is the main interest of our Shepherd in this psalm!

Understanding this point is essential to understanding the phrase set before us here in Psalm 23:3. Here we read the words, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness”. Notice that the word used here is not “path” – singular, but it is “paths” – plural. This is a key detail! The “paths” spoken of in this psalm parallel the “paths” that God has set for “my life”! I am not suggesting that these “paths of righteousness” represent God’s particular plan for my individual life, but instead, I believe it to represent God’s general plan for “his people and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3)! You see, these “paths of righteousness” make clear that there are many different seasons and situations which He compels us to face, and there are varied terrains and trails which He causes us to travel.

This means that God’s leadings in our lives are sovereign! He has divinely determined the direction in which He will take us; He has carefully chosen and charted the course which we must walk! His leadings are exact, and they are always in accordance with His plan and purpose for us! Remember that Romans 8:28 promises us that “ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.” And what is that purpose? Romans 8:29 tells us that it is “…to be conformed to the image of his Son.” It is this providential purpose that reveals exactly why God’s leadings do not direct us in a singular “path”, but instead, “He leadeth me in paths”.

Think about it friend! How could the divine purpose of Christ-likeness be realized without these varied “paths”? If all of life were mountain top experiences and easy pathways, how could the character of our Lord be made manifest in us? Remember what Paul cried, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, BEING MADE CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH.” (Philippians 3:10) How could we “know him” in intimacy without taking upon us “the fellowship of his sufferings”? How could we know “the power of his resurrection” apart from that "death" of crucifixion which paves the path to it?

The words of Christ are very plain concerning this truth. He said that He “suffered for us, leaving us an example, THAT YE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS” (1 Peter 2:21)! Oh how necessary it is for His leadings to take us “through the valley” (Psalm 23:4) and to place us “in the presence of…enemies” (Psalm 23:5) if we would be like Him! I think this may have been the thought of the great hymn writer Isaac Watts when he penned the words to “Am I a Soldier of The Cross?”

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace
To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

What a blessed and blissful thought! These “paths of righteousness” may bring me to “green pastures” and “beside the still waters”, or they may compel me to “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”, or perhaps, they may even set me “in the presence of mine enemies”, yet I need “fear no evil”, for He not only is “with me”, but it is He that “leadeth me” to these places! Whether we are in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, in the driest desert or on the well-watered plains, we may rest assured that He has brought us to this place in order to work in our lives those things which would help us to be “conformed” into His “image”! What a blessed thing to say that “we know” that His leadings are always “for good” and “according to his purpose”!

Oh what boundless joy to be confident that He will “direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6)! Oh the peace of being able to cry out with Job, “He knoweth the way that I take” (Job 23:10)! Oh what abundant rest is ours because we can “Trust in the Lord”, and because we do not have to “lean” upon the frailty of our own “understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)! What a sweet solace there is in knowing that “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies” (Psalm 25:10)! When we understand such a glorious thought, and when we embrace such a wonderful truth, then we will be able to say with David, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30)!

He Restoreth My Soul (Part 2)

Psalm 23:3, “He restoreth my soul”.

Oh the richness of such a great and precious promise as this! It is full to overflowing with gleanings upon which the soul may feed! As we have already seen, these wonderful words speak first and foremost to the nature of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ! It is He who is the source and the supply of the restoring work spoken of here! It is because of His matchless, measureless, and marvelous love that we are offered such a comforting truth as this!

But there is a second course of consideration to which this phrase directs our thoughts. You see, there are two themes that run throughout this psalm: dual doctrines, if you will. Thus far, we have already pondered them both in some measure as we have mused upon this great text. On the one hand, we have seen that this psalm paints a powerful portrait of our blessed Lord and His shepherding ministry. It illustrates His character and compassion; His love and leadership; His presence and provision, and the words here ever remind us of our total dependence upon Him! And this, I believe, is the supreme focus of this precious psalm.

Yet, as we gaze upon the glory of our wonderful Watchman, we cannot help but see ourselves in the light of His countenance! When we are compelled to consider the nurturing work of this loving Shepherd, we are forced to come face to face with the nature of our own plight as lowly sheep. As we see the one truth, then, of necessity, it reveals the other! So then, in seeing the Shepherd, what do we in turn realize about ourselves as sheep?

Sheep without the Shepherd are utterly helpless! And, just like those poor sheep, we are pathetic and powerless; we are hopeless and helpless; we are desperate and defenseless! This is why Isaiah cried, “All we LIKE SHEEP have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6). This is what compelled the psalmist to confess; “I have gone astray LIKE a lost SHEEP” (Psalm 119:176). Though we are saved, yet still the Bible proclaims: “WE ARE his people, and THE SHEEP of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3) Even the unsaved are “…scattered abroad, AS SHEEP having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

When we understand this two-fold message of the 23rd Psalm, then we begin to see the other side of the phrase, “He restoreth my soul”. We have learned in this phrase that the Shepherd is ever seeking to restore the weary and wandering sheep. Remember that the verb tense of this phrase is imperfect. This indicates a continuing and perpetual work on Christ’s part. But if this is so, then naturally, the same truth indicates a continuing and perpetual wandering and weakness on our part. He is ever restoring, because we are ever in need of restoration!

So then, we must ask, what happens to sheep that causes them to be in need of this restoring work? If you study sheep and shepherds, you will find that there is a sad condition in which sheep often find themselves. The more modern, English term used to describe it is being “cast” or “cast down”. This happens when sheep get turned over onto their back and are unable to get up on their feet again. Every ounce of material I have ever read that deals with “cast down” sheep agree that this is something that happens often, and thus, the Shepherd must be ever mindful of and ever watchful for sheep in this state.

There may be several ways in which sheep can become cast down. However, there seems to be one means by which this “cast down” condition most commonly occurs. Typically, the sheep will look for a comfortable place to lie down. They prefer indentations and impressions which are found in the soil because they contour to the body of the sheep. When such a place is found the sheep will lie down in it, not knowing that this place of “comfort” may indeed be a death trap! They awaken from their leisure only to find that they are unable to get up from the place where they have reclined. This places the “cast down” sheep in a position of grave danger!

Sheep in this dangerous dilemma are often isolated from the flock and separated from the Shepherd. As they lie there on their backs, they are an easy target for hungry predators. In short order, circulation to the extremities, especially the legs, will be cut off. Depending on the current weather patterns and distance from which they have wandered from the fold, sheep in this position can die within hours to days.

Sheep that have become “cast down” tend to struggle to regain their footing by their own efforts. Occasionally, they may bleat a little, but typically they will frustrate themselves as they flail frantically with their legs. Yet all their efforts are useless, they cannot recover themselves from this helpless predicament. The Shepherd must come to them, pick them up, set them on their feet again, massage the blood flow back into their limbs, and return them to the fold.

Oh how much we are like the “cast down” sheep! We often find ourselves in these isolated and helpless situations. So often our longing for leisure compels us to find a place of comfort in a world that is ever lurking with dangers. And even if we come to realize the vulnerable position to which we have become exposed, we make the mistake of frustrating ourselves trying to undo our messes in the power of the flesh, only to make them worse. We stubbornly attempt to get up on our own, refusing to cry out for the help of the Shepherd whose “ears are open” unto our “cry” (Psalm 34:15)! We stay there and lay there wallowing in the dust of our own foolish choices!

But thanks be unto God, we have a faithful Shepherd! He “knoweth our frame” (Psalm 103:14); He knows that we are “…but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” (Psalm 78:39) He understands that our best efforts cannot recover us from a fall, and our grandest intentions cannot restore us to the fold! It is He that reminds us that “…every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5)!

Oh how wonderful to know that “…he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)! Oh how sweet to realize that because of such a promise, “We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6)! His ever watchful eye is upon us! His ever listening ear is awaiting the prayer of the humble heart! His ever compassionate heart longs to restore our wayward and weary soul! His ever faithful hand reaches out to lift us from the despair of our helpless state! Oh how blessed and bountiful the promise of his restoring work! It compels me to cry out with the psalmist, “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling” (Psalm 116:7-8)!

He Restoreth My Soul (Part 1)

Psalm 23:3, “He restoreth my soul”.

Who is able to comprehend the magnitude of the love that The Great Shepherd has for His sheep? Who can grasp the grace or measure the mercies that are the out-flowing of such love? The height of it cannot be reached; its depth cannot be plumbed; its breadth cannot be spanned! In fact, when I try to understand it, I am compelled to cry out like the psalmist, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:6)!

It is interesting to note that the phrase set before us here does not contain the word “love” as its particular term, yet we can clearly see in the phrase that love is the particular theme. Indeed, love is the compelling force behind the glorious work of the Shepherd that is accounted for here in Psalm 23:3, “He restoreth my soul”. This restoring work is the manifest measure of that Divine love which knows no limits! It is that love which seeks and saves, and it is that love which pursues and pardons! It is the love which compels the Shepherd to “leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it” (Luke 15:4)! Yet, that is not the full sum of this love! Here in our text, we begin to realize that this love is so vast that it goes beyond salvation to offer so much more!

The term “restoreth” that is used in our psalm comes from the Hebrew word (shuwb), and the stem of the word is Polel. Thus, the word carries the idea of bringing back again, refreshing, and it figuratively illustrates something being repaired. Thus, what the psalmist portrays to us is a patient Shepherd that RETURNS the WONDERING sheep, REFRESHES the WEARY sheep, and REPAIRS the WOUNDED sheep. This is the work of Him that has a watchful eye, a caring heart, and a tender hand, and who ever stands at the ready to supply every need of His ever needful sheep!

But there is an even greater jewel contained in this promise. The verb tense used in the phrase “He restoreth my soul” is imperfect. This simply means that Christ’s restoring work is not based upon a single act of kindness, but rather, it is meted out by our Lord’s multiple mercies! It is those magnificent and measureless mercies of our wonderful Lord that must have been the comfort of Jeremiah when he proclaimed, “It is of THE LORD’S MERCIES that we are not consumed, because HIS COMPASSIONS FAIL NOT” (Lamentations 3:22)!

Who can fathom such a thing? Our blessed Lord Christ is relentless in His restoring work! Because of His unfailing compassions, He never ceases in His care of the straying or struggling sheep. He is ever repairing; He is ever refreshing; He is ever restoring our souls! When the psalmist says, “He restoreth my soul”, he is envisioning a loving Shepherd, who in patience and pity, pursues the weary and wayward for more than just a moment! His care spans the length of a lifetime! Remember the words declared later in verse 6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE”. Let me point it out in a different way: the verse does not say “He restored”, but instead it declares “He restoreth”. It is an ever present promise! It is available at this very moment and at every moment to all who will avail themselves of it!

Think about it child of God! There is no pre-qualification in what we are reading here. Though there may be several reasons for which a sheep needs to be restored, still “He restoreth”. Whether it is ignorance or stubbornness that leads to our wondering, still “He restoreth”! If we are discouraged or downtrodden, still “He restoreth”! If we have foolishly injured ourselves because of our senseless straying, yet, even then, we still have the promise that “He restoreth”!

Oh that we may lay hold of this tremendous truth! Our Lord is the ever seeking Shepherd who was “ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” toward Israel. And this was in spite of the fact that they “refused to obey” and “hardened their necks” (Nehemiah 9:17). He it is of whom Paul spoke in 2 Timothy 2:13, when he wrote, “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful”! Oh that this might be the ground for all our glorying! Oh that we would rejoice as they did in the time of Ezra saying, “Yet our God hath not forsaken us…but hath extended mercy” (Ezra 9:9)!

Why should we ever want to stray from such a glorious and gracious Shepherd as Jesus? Yet we do! We in our pride still stray; in our weakness we still struggle! Yes, in spite of all that Christ is and all that He affords to His beloved ones, we often still must cry out, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep” (Psalm 119:176)! But though this be our plight, we have a loving Lord who “knoweth our frame” and “remembereth that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:14)!

Oh the sweet assurance that these precious words ought to bring to the weary soul! Regardless of the condition in which we may find ourselves, we can be certain of this precious promise: “He restoreth my soul”! Don’t misunderstand the point. I am not suggesting that such a gracious promise offers license to us so that we may justify our sin. God forbid! This promise offers no such thing! However, what it does offer is an unparalleled love that compels us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy” (Hebrews 4:16)!

Oh Bless His wonderful name, for “He hath not dealt with us according to our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10)! And why is it so? Because he is a patient and loving Shepherd; One who “Is merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8)! Oh the wonder of this indescribable, inexhaustible, unconditional love of our blessed Lord! It compels me to say with Paul, “THE LOVE OF CHRIST…PASSETH KNOWLEDGE” (Ephesians 3:19)!

The Still Waters

Psalm 23:2, "He leadeth me beside the still waters.”

When I meditate upon the splendor of the scene before us here, I am compelled to cry out with the psalmist; “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2)! As you read the progression of this passage, you will find the psalmist considering the various terrains along which the Shepherd will guide us in this life. You will also see him contemplating the various troubles from which the Shepherd will guard us. However, in this opening portion of the text, he is concentrating on the various treasures which the Shepherd will give us!

In reality, the psalmist is pondering the providential provender that is afforded us as we make this journey through this world as “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11)! When he declares that “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”, he is speaking of a perpetual provision. When he says, “He leadeth me beside the still waters”, he is talking about a steadfast supply! Regardless of “the paths of righteousness” in which our Great Shepherd may direct our steps, he will always give us the sustenance described in these statements, for we need them in order to travel the trail and face the foes!

As we have begun to see, the sustaining and strengthening supplies which He has given are the “green pastures” in which He feeds us, as well as the “still waters” beside which He leads us. When we pondered the “green pastures”, we discovered that they are none other than the precious Word of God! As we peruse the pages of Scripture, we find in them the grasses of God ever accessible for us to graze upon! But that is not all we find available to us here in God’s field. What about the “still waters”? What is it that they represent? Consider what we see when we meditate upon this magnificent truth!

The word “still” comes from the Hebrew word (manuchah), which means rest, quietness, or resting place. Thus, these “waters” are a quiet resting place for the sheep of God. These are not fast moving rivers, for how could raging rapids be of comfort to the restless and agitated sheep? Sheep would never drink of such waters. The Great Shepherd is careful to lead us to the “waters” which are “still”; so that there we may drink and find an unending source to satiate our parched lips and our thirsty souls!

So then, if these are the type of waters we need, then we must know the place in which we find such a supply? I believe that the answer is the sweet Holy Spirit of God! I don’t want to be speculative here, so let’s seek to make this case from Scripture. First, consider this. Just because these “still waters” are quiet and calm, that does not indicate that they have no flow at all! I do not believe that the “waters” are a fast flowing river, but I do believe that they are a bubbling spring!

In Isaiah 49:10, we read an interesting verse, “They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even BY THE SPRINGS OF WATER SHALL HE GUIDE THEM.” Notice something about this last phrase. God promises to “guide them”! The Hebrew word for "guide" in this text is the same Hebrew word used for “leadeth” in the phrase, “He leadeth me beside the still waters”. In fact, it is the exact same stem and verb tense as well. However, in this case the waters to which he “leadeth” or will “guide them” are not called “still waters”. Instead they are “springs of water”!

Here, I believe, is a very vital point. These are not speaking separate watering places, but they speak of the same wonderful well at which the people of God are refreshed! So then, what is the key distinction in the phrases? In the one, God describes the ESSENCE of the waters, namely that they are “springs”. In the other, God describes the EFFECT of the waters, that is, that they are “still”. You see, I believe that our text not only speaks of the Holy Spirit, but it speaks particularly of his inner workings in man’s heart.

It is both interesting and important to note that our Lord described the ministry of the Holy Spirit using the analogy of water on two separate occasions. In John 4:14, Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Then in John 7:38 He declares, “He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” So, what is it that we learn about the Holy Spirit in these two texts?

Let’s begin by understanding that both of these passages implicitly state that salvation is the prerequisite to the Holy Spirit’s continued working within the heart. John 4:14 says, “Whosoever drinketh”. John 7:38 gives further clarification by saying, “He that believeth”. In both cases, it is salvation that prequalifies the promises that Christ is making. With that being established, let’s delve further into the particular parts of these promises.

There is a three-fold working of the Holy Spirit described by Christ in these two verses. First, Christ accounts for the INDWELLING work of the Spirit. John 4:14 states, “But whosoever drinketh…the water…shall be IN HIM A WELL of water”. Thus, Christ states that the Holy Spirit would be IN the believer who drinks of the salvation that He offers. But then, he goes on to describe an INFILLING work. He says, “The water shall be…a well…SPRINGING UP into everlasting life.” Then, in John 7:38 He describes an OUTFLOWING work. He says, “OUT OF his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” It is the second work, the INFILLING work that we want to consider.

In order to understand this, let’s look at the structure of the statement that Jesus makes in John 4:14. Christ begins by describing a one time event, which is salvation. He says, “Whosoever drinketh”. The verb “drinketh” is in the aorist tense, which simply means that it describes a punctuated, single action, rather than a continuing one. You only need to be saved once! Then it is given in the subjunctive mood, which is the mood of possibility. Not all men will be saved, but it is possible for all men to be saved.

For those who do receive Christ by faith, this salvation gives way to a promise. Jesus says, “The water that I shall give him shall be in him”. In both cases here, the words “shall give” and “shall be” are in the future tense and the indicative mood. The indicative mood indicates a statement of fact. Christ promises that if one believes the Gospel, He would indeed place within them the ever present “well of water”, which is the Holy Ghost!

Now we come to the last portion of the phrase. Christ says, “The water…shall be…a well…springing up”. The words “springing up” are a present participle. This simply means that they speak of the Holy Ghost doing a perpetual work in the heart of man. And isn’t that what the Spirit of God seeks to do in us? Is it not true that He is ever longing to bring forth the fruit of His indwelling presence? Is it not true that he ever seeks to fill us so that the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) may abound?

And what is that fruit? What does it entail? Consider it dear friend! Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance”! Notice that the first workings of the Spirit described here, are inward workings, for that is where God’s work must always begin! God could never do a work THROUGH us, until He has first done a work IN us!

Think of it dear friend! “Love, joy, PEACE”, these are the internal blessings that are afforded us through the INFILLING work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is these blessed truths that supply the “still waters” of rest to which the psalmist refers in Psalm 23:2. Oh that we may ever stay near these “still waters” which Christ has availed to us! May we allow the INDWELLING Holy Ghost to do His INFILLING work in our lives! May the “springing” waters of this internal “well” bring that peaceful refreshment which compels us to say, “I shall not want”!

Green Pastures

Psalm 23:2, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”.

With a simple stroke of the inspired pen, our Lord ushers our hearts away from the difficulties and drudgery of everyday life! At once, we find ourselves in the midst of a sacred scene in which our tender Shepherd becomes the centerpiece of our every contemplation! In this pleasant pasture, it is the presence of Christ that is the source of all peace; it is the leading of Christ that is the cause for all confidence; and it is the provision of Christ that is the supply of every need!

Here we are called away from the wilting grasslands of this world, to a pasture where the fragrant fields are full with lush grass in an unending supply! It is in this sanctified setting that we may leave behind the famine of this life to enjoy the rich grasses of God in a place of plenty where we need never hunger! You see, this fruitful field is not merely a scene of beauty; it is also a source of bounty! It is a source of unlimited supply where we may find the sufficient resource for every necessity as we journey in “the paths of righteousness” (verse 3)!

But what are these “green pastures” of which the psalmist speaks? What is it that our Shepherd seeks to show us in these choice words? It is evident that these are not literal pastures where even the basest of creatures may roam. Instead, this is a figurative field reserved only for the sheep of his fold! So then, since this is indeed a symbolism, we need to know what it is that is being depicted through this comforting claim.

In order to accomplish this, let us first consider the definitions of these words. Once we lay hold of their definitions, I think we will more clearly understand their distinction! The words “green pastures” come from two Hebrew words. The word “green” is from the word (deshe’) which means grass, new grass, green herb or vegetation. In fact this same Hebrew word is translated “grass” eight times in our King James Bible, and six times it is translated “herb”. Then we see the word “pastures” which comes from the word (na’ah) which not only means pasture or meadow, but it is also the word for abode. In fact, it translates “habitations” five times and “houses” one time in Scripture. Thus, these “green pastures” are an abode of grass or a habitation of herbs.

Think of what this means dear friend! These “green pastures” in which he “maketh me to lie down” are not momentary meadows of life. Rather, they are an abode in which the people of God may dwell and feed and rest! But where is such a place of pasture to be found? I believe this divine dwelling place, this holy habitation, is none other than the Word of God! That is the fertile field which God has prepared to feed his flock!

You see, there are several things that must be accomplished before sheep can be afforded rest. When we considered the truth of “He maketh me to lie down”, we mentioned that there must be a freedom from fear for such rest to be realized. We have seen that this is only made possible through the Shepherd’s presence. However, there must also be a freedom from famine, and that is only obtained through the Scripture.

Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Thy Words were found, and I DID EAT THEM; and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart”! Job 23:12 reminds us, “I esteemed the Words of his mouth MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD”! Our Lord Jesus plainly stated, “Man SHALL not LIVE by bread alone, but BY EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)! Yes dear friend, it is the Word of the Living God that is the pleasant pasture for the sheep of his fold! It is as we graze in the grasses of its precious pages that our hungry souls are filled!

Set before us in the blessed Bible is a feast for the people of God! However, this feast is not merely a source of initial feedings, but it also a source for perpetual ruminating! It is interesting to note that sheep are among the ruminate class of animals. This means that they have four stomachs, or more accurately four parts to their stomach. Ruminate animals not only ingest food at their initial feedings, but as they rest, they “chew the cud” by bringing the food out of one compartment of the stomach and chewing on it again.

Though this may seem an unpleasant picture, it well illustrates the way in which the Bible nourishes the people of God. You see, we must learn to go beyond surface readings of Scripture to the continual chewing on those truths which are derived from it. The Bible calls this meditating! Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt MEDITATE THEREIN day and night”. Then, in Psalm 1:2 we read, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he MEDITATE day and night.”

The word “meditate” that is used in these two texts is from the Hebrew word (hagah). The stem of the word in both these cases is Qal, and thus, it carries the idea to muse. In other words, God is commanding us to do with spiritual food, what sheep do with their physical food. We are to, “chew the cud” so to speak. We are to learn to muse and ruminate on the precious precepts of God’s Holy Word! This is both a means of obtaining maturity, and a mark of having it! You see, healthy and mature sheep will ruminate for several hours a day, and so must it be for the “sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3)!

Oh that the people of God might learn to abide in the “green pastures” of the Word! May this become the holy habitation in which our hearts dwell! It is only as we feed on the tender grass of the Word and ruminate on the truths that it teaches that our minds are kept fully fixed upon the “The Father of Mercies, and The God of All Comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3)! And, as our minds “meditate” upon our tender Shepherd through the blessed Scriptures, the “green pastures” do their desired work! Then and only then can we be made to “lie down” and rest in him! May God help us to ever remember, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3)!

He Leadeth Me

Psalm 23:2, "He leadeth me…”

Only in Scripture could such a small statement contain such a large ocean of truth! Wrapped within these three words is a glorious gift from God that brings consolation to those who are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13) This, indeed, is a sweet solace to the weary wonderers in this world! What a blissful thought and what a blessed truth we find in knowing that our faithful God is also our faithful Guide!

In order to emphasize the depth of this truth, these precious words are penned twice by the psalmist in this treasured text. In verse 2 he states, “He leadeth me beside the still waters”. Then in verse 3 we read, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Two times he is reminding us of the ever faithful leadership of the Shepherd in our lives!
When we see this, it is important to note that, though these two uses of the phrase “He leadeth me” are similar, they are not completely the same. They are like two sides of the same precious coin. In them we find two perspectives of the same wonderful promise.

When we first read these words in verse 2, they come from the Hebrew word (nahal). The stem of the word is Piel, and thus it carries the idea of leading with care, leading to the place of rest, or to refresh. In other words, God's leadings are always careful leadings. He is a tender guide directing us to that place where his supply can refresh our souls. He is continually directing us to the quietness of the “still waters” to supply that which we need to sustain us from day to day. Oh how blessed it is to know that our wonderful Shepherd can be trusted to bring us to the divine “watering hole” where refreshment can be found for our parched souls. Yet, that is not all!

We read the words “He leadeth me” for the second time in verse 3. In this case, they come from the Hebrew word (nachah), which means to guide, lead, or direct. The stem here is Hiphil which is normally causative. This simply means that God causes me to walk “the paths of righteousness”. He directs me in this determined way regardless of the twists and turns that may accompany the journey. These paths are "paths" that he has chosen and charted. The reason for the distinction between these two uses is simple. In the one we see that God is ALWAYS CARING in his leadings, and in the other, we see that God is ALWAYS WISE in his leadings. But in both, we see that God, indeed, is ALWAYS LEADING!

Think of it weary one! The psalmist did not say, “He driveth me”, nor did he say, “He showeth me”! He declares with great joy, “He leadeth me”! This, dear friend, is a vital truth! You see, the Lord could not lead me in “paths” that he himself had not walked. The leadings described here could not be so, unless he had first gone before me in the way! When I measure the fullness of this psalm in the light of such a truth, I can see the assurance of a perpetual promise, that his leadings are careful, consistent, and wise, regardless of where the “paths of righteousness” may go!

Consider it dear friend! He has walked before me in the way, for “He leadeth me” (verse 2 & 3)! He will walk beside me on the way, for verse 4 says, “Thou art with me”! He guards me from those things which seek to pull me from the way, for the psalmist proclaims, “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (verse 4)! He has promised that he would make a way, for in verse 5 he declares, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”! He will supply every need along the way, for he shouts, “Thou anointest my head with oil” and “my cup runneth over” (verse 5)! He will give me provision for the way, for we read, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6)! He will bring me safely to the end of the way, for verse 6 affirms, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”!

Oh the joy that floods the human heart when we understand the carefulness and faithfulness of his leadings! Oh what rapture of soul overtakes, when we are assured that he has gone before us, and that he will guide us in the way we ought to go! Think of what this means dear friend! We need not be dreadful of what lay along the path before us! We need not be anxious for the uncertainties of the day! We need not fear the enemies that lurk in the shadows, for as long as we are following the Shepherd who “leadeth” us, we can be sure of sufficiency for the journey and safety when we arrive at our destination! Oh what a peaceful promise is ours in three little words: “He leadeth me”!

He Maketh Me To Lie Down

Psalm 23:2, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures".

What a peaceful picture of a pleasant pasture! When you read the words that are penned by the psalmist here, you can almost smell the freshness of the meadow and feel the gentleness of the breezes that blow there. It evokes visions of white woolen sheep relaxing in the lushness of the green grasses. When such an image is painted upon the canvas of the soul, there is but one word that can summarize the grandeur of such a scene, and that word is rest! How could the sheep “lie down” if it were not true that these “green pastures” were a place of rest? But why are they so? What is it that the psalmist speaks of that makes this place a peaceful respite for the souls of God’s sheep?

Upon reading the psalmist’s words, there is something that immediately strikes hard upon the soul. It is evident that David’s peace and rest, his comfort and calm are NOT attributed to being in the right setting or situation, though one might easily assume that. The rest and recline that the psalmist enjoys is because of the Shepherd! Notice that it is neither the grasses nor the waters which provide such a peace, but instead he states, “HE maketh me to lie down”!

Oh that each of us might wrap our arms around the depth of such a truth! There is not a season, a situation, or a setting which provides a perfect atmosphere for peace! In fact, it is most unfortunate that we so often convince ourselves that if our circumstances were changed we would be able to enjoy sweet rest. This is a fallacious way of thinking! Consider the words of the psalmist when he declares, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makest me to dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) It is not the meadow that gives rest to our souls; it is the Master!

Do you remember the story of Paul? Recount for a moment the time that he was on a ship with a number of unbelievers. He was journeying to Rome to make an appeal before Caesar concerning his imprisonment. In the process of the journey, the ship was caught in the midst of a deadly storm. In fact, Acts 27:20 describes it like this, “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was taken away.” The circumstances were so dire that “all hope…was taken away”! Yet in spite of this, Paul stood up before the men on the ship and said, “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God” (Acts 27:25)! How could he be encouraged in the midst of despair? How could he admonish them to “be of good cheer” in the midst of the darkness of such a storm? The answer dear friend is quite clear: Paul’s peace was not based upon circumstances but upon Christ! And so it must be for us as well!

Let’s consider the implications of the psalmist’s words for a moment. The phrase “He maketh me to lie down” translates from the Hebrew word (rabats) meaning to stretch out one’s self. The stem of the word is Hiphil which is causative. When these two things are taken into consideration, we realize that the psalmist is not saying that he is being forced to “lie down”, but rather, he is saying, “I cannot help but ‘lie down’”! He is saying, “It is 'He', the All-sufficient One, the Lord, ‘My Shepherd’ that is the source of my rest!”

Dear friend, we need to recognize that it is the Shepherd of our soul, and not the situations of our life, that can afford such a sweet peace and respite for our hearts! It is only in the One of whom it is said, “For HE IS our PEACE” (Ephesians 2:14) that peace and rest may be found! Oh that we might learn to rest in him who has called us, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will GIVE you REST” (Matthew 11:28)! Jesus alone is “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)!

When you examine the nature of sheep, you learn that certain things must be true for a sheep to rest and recline. Above all else, sheep must be free from fear. Friend, is there a circumstance that can bring such a liberty to your life? Is there a certain place where you could go and be assured that nothing is to be dreaded in that place, and that no fear will suddenly overtake you there? I submit to you that such freedom and liberty cannot exist because of a place, but it can exist because of a person, and that person is Christ!

It is the presence of our Great Shepherd that releases the soul from the fears of this life! Psalm 27:1-3 reminds us that, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” It is the very presence of our wonderful Shepherd that frees us from the torments of fear!

My beloved friend, do you long to have such rest? Do you desire to know where a respite of peace can be found? Are you seeking for that haven in which the dreads of this life are disposed? Psalm 23:2 plainly tells us where we may find such a treasure! As we have seen, it is not in certain seasons or settings of life, neither is it in particular circumstances! Here the psalmist assures us that peace and rest may be found, not because of such things but regardless of such things! And why is it so? Because "he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5)!

It is the ever present Shepherd and his ever perfect provision that guarantees us such a wonderful promise! This is why the psalmist is able to say, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me” (Psalm 23:4)! This is why he is able to feast upon the table that God “preparest before” him, though they be “in the presence of…enemies” (Psalm 23:5)! Oh that this might be the testimony of our lives! Oh that we might ever look to the Shepherd and rest in his presence and his promise, so that we too may be able to say, “He maketh me to lie down”!