The tenderness of God's heart toward you is revealed...

Psalm 23, although often read at funerals or memorial services, is one of the most revealing Scriptures about the heart of the Father toward His children and His care for us while living on earth. It reveals His tenderness and love that comforts us during our earthly existence. It provides encouragement and hope, especially as we journey in difficult circumstances and challenges of this world. It provides an excellent foundation of knowing the heart of the Father.

From the moment the Psalm begins we see these words: “The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide, and shield me), I shall not lack” (Amplified Psalm 23:1). Right away, the reader is encouraged with these words! The Lord demonstrates that it is His desire to show His love and care for us. God confirms that He is our Source, which should prompt confidence and rest. Everything that we will ever need comes from Him. 2 Peter 1:3 confirms it this way: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him…” This Psalm helps us to gain knowledge of Him in order that we may participate in His blessing of care and love for us. It shows us the Father’s character.

Verse 23:1 also confirms that God is like a Shepherd Who watches over His flock carefully, making sure that every need is met. It is His responsibility as the Shepherd. His care for us should cause us to rest as the burden for provision is not upon us, but upon Him. We cooperate with Him by listening, being persuaded by His word and believing. We must know that we are in capable of hands, however, of the One for Whom nothing is impossible!

A picture of rest is further created as we learn that “He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures. He leads me beside still and restful waters (Amplified verse 2). How does this relate to us as human beings? It is a picture of rest. Knowing that the Shepherd is watching over us, should equip us for rest. We trust where He is leading us because He has our best interest in mind. Because all of our provision is met in and through Him, we should not strive or carry any burdens; at least that it how God meant for us to live. “Out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and we were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift” (Amplified John 1:16). There is no one like our God: He is the Defeater of satan; He has immeasurable, unlimited power. “The Lord God is our Strength, our personal bravery and our invincible army;” (Amplified Habakkuk 3:19).

God refreshes and restores our life (Amplified Psalm 23:3). As children of God, we no longer have a sinful nature, where guilt and condemnation rule over us (Romans 8:1-3). We have been transformed because we believe in Jesus! Our life has been restored! We have a new nature, the nature of Jesus Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:17). In our spirit we are totally new because we possess the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:6). We did not earn the blessing of this transformation. We did not work for it. It is a gift of grace, undeserved favor! This is an extraordinary gift of God’s love.

We will experience trials and tribulations while on this earth. We will be tempted away from the Lord. But during these times we must remember that we are one with Jesus, and we go through with Him. We go through in His strength. We may go through, however, forgetting that we are united with Jesus and are fully equipped by Him, that we have His strength, ability and wisdom. But Jesus never departs from us. In every situation we remain united, glued together, with Him. Therefore, we have nothing to dread or to fear. Evil should not overtake us. We have the power and authority of Jesus name, a name that is above every name; everything must bow to His name (Philippians 2:9,10). Jesus protects us and guides us, if we humble ourselves in surrender to Him (Psalm 23:4) (1 Peter 5:6,7).

Anointing the head with oil was a sign of respect for a guest; a way of honoring someone. Oil was also a symbol of joy (Isaiah 61:3). In Psalm 23:5 the Father shows us that He honors us, that He delights in us and demonstrates it by stating, “He anoints our head with oil;”. He also confirms this honor by “preparing a table”, a place for us to join Him in fellowship and to be nourished, spiritually and physically. This is another way that He cares for us and welcomes us to be part of His life. God does this publicly, openly, even before our enemies. He has the power to be completely unmoved by anyone or anything. Remember, He brought satan to nought, making a bold display and public example of him by the cross (Hebrews 2:14; Colossians 2:15). This demonstration of His goodness, desire and blessing for us, and His authority over the enemy, should cause overflowing joy! God Almighty, and Jesus, Creator of all things, desires us; wants to be with us; wants to bless us! “My brimming cup overflows” (verse 5). The oil is symbolic of this joy (Isaiah 61:3; Hebrews 1:9).

We should be convinced of God’s love for us! “Surely (certainly), goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow us all the days of our life” (Psalm 23:6). David wrote this psalm in the in the midst of being pursued by Saul, who was trying to kill him. But David was confident of God’s love for him, despite his situation. Jesus suffered rejection and was despised, tortured and killed, but He was also confident of the Father’s love for Him. We too, should be confident of the Father’s love for us. We should take the same stand as David did, that we desire the Lord and that He shall be the central focus of our life. David says, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (verse 6); David could say this because the Spirit was with him but not in him. For the born again Christian, God lives in us, so we dwell together, united as one. But the focus is the same; Lord you are everything to me! I want nothing else but You; You are the Source of my life!