Understanding The 23rd Psalm: A Psalm of David

Understanding The Full Meaning of The 23rd Psalm

King David in constant prayer

King David loved God. Period. We can clearly see this to be true when we read the books of First and Second Samuel alone. God, Himself called him “a man after my own heart”. (1 Samuel 13:14) It was a lifetime love affair beginning during David’s youth when he rightfully asserted the victories of his first battles with a lion and a bear to “the true and living God”. (1 Samuel 17: 26) However, it is not until we dive deep into the book of Psalms that we can see the depts of David’s passion for God; praising Him with heartfelt songs, sincere prayers, and lively dances.  The most familiar of these is the 23rd Psalm.

I remember growing up in church, this was one of the first passages we were taught as children. We had to recite it regularly before the congregation for one occasion or another: Sunday School or special events. Even though I memorized the words, their real meaning remained elusive to me until very late in my adulthood. Revisiting the passage a few weeks ago, I decided to share with you what I now get from this magnificent scripture. What I believe it tells us about David’s passionate relationship with God.

A Constant Provider

1- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”. David was never concerned about provisions because he knew God was his provider. Not just his provider for necessities, but comfort and peace as well asserting that God is a wholistic God. 2 - “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me besides the still waters”.  Green pastures are soft and cool to the touch and still waters are soothing and calming to the spirit.

Even when David’s spirit became vexed as spirits sometimes do, he didn’t dwell in his misery. He trusted God to restore him and put him back on a right path. 3- “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.”  

A Constant Companion

David fought many battles that could have easily led to his demise. But the thought of death wasn’t a dread to him. He knew God was always with him and always would be be; that alone was his solace. 4-“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”.

A Constant Praise

He also knew that God loved him, and God caused his enemies to recognize this as well. He uplifted him in front of his enemies that they might see God’s favor on him so that they might fear and respect Him first and David as His faithful servant. David never ceases to acknowledge this in his prayers and praises. 5- “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runnest over”.

A Constant Strive

David’s spiritual relationship with The Creator is one similar to what we all should strive for. Faithful to Him, confident in Him, acknowledgeable of his many blessings in our lives, and thankful for His grace and mercy. He recognized that love is a two-way street, and it flows in both directions. He was not only grateful for God’s undying love but cherished it for all his life. 6- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever”.

The Ultimate Testament To Faith

The 23rd Psalm is the ultimate testament to pure faith in God and His unwavering love for us. Because what he did for David, He can and will do for us. Our battles may not be bloody, but they are just as real as David’s, needing real faith in God to conquer them on our behalf.  

“A man after God’s own heart”. I have yet to find this particular phrase in the bible associated with any other man. Of course, there are many other men (and women) in the bible and in present times who love God and render Him the reverence and praise He sovereignly deserves. God will always have His remnant. But when a God willfully comes down from heaven, sinless and blameless, to endure horrendous suffering before giving His life for our sins and restoring us to salvation; shouldn’t we all take on a David mentality to quest to become men and women after God’s own heart? I leave you to ponder that question?

Thank you for reading! Please come again!

I encourage you to incorporate a daily meditation of the 23rd Psalm in your schedule acknowledging the goodness of God in your life.

Visit Buszyhands.com for more about making faith a part of our daily lives.