Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.… The relations subsisting between man and the lower animals play no insignificant part in the formation of human character and the discipline of human life. No relations appeal to heart and imagination more than those of shepherd and sheep. The emblem is dear to us yet, even to the dwellers in town and city. The emblem is dearer still, because it has been confirmed and hallowed by the lips of One greater than David. I. WE WANT NOURISHMENT. Body, mind, spirit, each need this. II. WE WANT REFRESHMENT. The shepherd brings his flock to the "waters." As pasturage is an emblem of that which nourishes, so water is an emblem of all that refreshes. The difference between the pleasures which the devil gives and those which the Lord gives, is just this — the former intoxicate, but these exhilarate. Think of all the pleasure of simple, innocent recreation — of nature, music, poetry, and art; of friendship and the pure affections of the home. Let us never forget that the rapids and the cataract are sometimes only farther down in the very same stream, beside the still waters of which the Lord is leading His people. There is a boundary beyond which lawful pleasure passes into lawless. III. WE WANT REST. The shepherd makes the flock lie down in some cool, shady place. So every night the Lord maketh us to lie down. And He provides rest for the soul also. There is too little repose in the life of most of us. Too much bustle, too much impatience. IV. WE WANT GUIDANCE. Often we are perplexed as to what is our right path; and when we have found it we are liable to go astray. V. WE WANT RESTORATION. From sickness and from wilfulness. He restores when we are weak and weary. VI. WE WANT THE COMFORT OF PROTECTION. Through the hilly gorge — even through death. (T. Campbell Finlayson.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Psalm of David.} The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. |
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