Week 40 - Psalm 23

Is there a more recognized, read, memorized, quoted, and loved Psalm than the 23rd?  I would not think so. This Psalm, as many penned by David and other writers, seems to have a way of touching the heart of the reader and can be embraced as words of comfort and assurance – especially in times of distress.

It sums up the basic theme that the Lord is our provider, protector, comforter, and supporter in times of distress. Always reachable, always reliable, always reassuring. Who better to rely on than the LORD? We are too flawed and weak to rely on ourselves. If we rely on others, we are sure to be disappointed. No – the one true Shepherd of our lives is the LORD!

With the assurance of his protection and provision, we know we can rely on him through even the most distressing situations, even when our life is in peril. David penned this Psalm when he was fleeing from Saul. Even though David was proving himself to be a man of courage and valor – he still found comfort and protection in the LORD. We are never strong enough ourselves not to rely on the comfort and protection to be found in a personal relationship with our LORD!

—Lee Smith