The 23rd Psalm is one of the most powerful and most used scripture in the Bible, and yet many only take the time to quote it, never fully looking at what came forth from the heart of the Psalmist.
I read a book many years ago about a rich man that was dying and no physician or medication could help him. He met a man of God one day that told him he could give him a prescription that would cure him, or in any case give him more time to live. Surely it couldn't hurt, and would he be interested?
The rich man was at the point of no return and decided that giving it a try wouldn't hurt. The man of God told him he would have to take it, as prescribed it, just like a medication. The rich man agreed to the terms.
This is what he told him to do: read the 23rd Psalms, 3 times a day for several weeks and to look beyond what could be memorized or quoted in mere seconds. He wanted him to eat the Word, let it do its perfect work, on the inside.
The rich man stated reading, started seeing the meaning of what he was reading more with his heart instead of his eyes. His body began to heal.
We too, can reap wondrous things from God's Word. The words printed of the life and teachings of Jesus contains the answers to all our needs.
It is my prayer than in learning to look deeper into this prayer of Davids, you will be healed, not only in body, but in spirit and soul.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
*He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
*He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
*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.
*Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
*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 23rd Psalm is a very good healing scripture.
Try reading Psalms 23 and meditate and think about what the writer might have been thinking when he wrote this Psalm. Then, meditate and think about how the words of this Psalm might apply in and to your life right now, today.
An example is as follows:
(The Lord is): This is a very bold statement that declares the existence of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus.
(My Shepherd): Think about who and what a Shepherd is. What is his manner of life? What does he do? Think about every aspect of the Shepherd and how it might apply to you.
(I shall not want): This means that you lack nothing (no-thing). Nothing is like a zero without the line that makes the (O). It doesn't exist. Every need is supplied.
(He maketh me to lie down in green pastures):
Just like a good nurturing parent, the Shepherd makes sure the sheep get the right amount of rest in the most comfortable and pleasant place available.
(He leadeth me beside still waters): Please Note: Sheep are basically afraid of swift moving water. The Shepherd takes his staff or some other item, lays it in the water and thereby making a calm smooth pool of water where even the smallest lamb won't be afraid to take a drink. The Shepherd takes the sheep to where ever one can be refreshed.
(He restoreth my soul): Even after one has spent all their spirit, soul and body, the Shepherd replenishes that which was used up.
(He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake): The Shepherd helps the sheep to live a right life.
(Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil): The Shepherd is the fear and the dread thus, the sheep are fearless.
(Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me): The rod drives away the harm that might come and the staff rescues young and old alike from whatever mishap that may arise.
(Thou preparest a table before): Again, the Shepherd provides every thing. Thus, all the sheep have to do is live.
(Thou anointest my head with oil): Oil causeth the face to shine and gives healing to the afflicted and the wounded. Therefore, the sheep are richly blessed.
(My cup runneth over): You have so abundantly that the blessings you receive can be seen and shared by everyone around you.
(Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life): Without a doubt, the Sheep will live in perfect peace in the place where the Shepherd is.
(I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever): Our bodies are the house of the Lord and we shall live there forever, praise His name.
This is just a small example of what the 23rd Psalm can mean to the Believer.
House of Prayer Sabbath Ministries
Contributed By: Derwood Stewart, Minister
