Finding peace and guidance: Psalms 23 - A journey through mountain tops and dark valleys

Psalms 23 is a praise of worship for the mountain top moments and seasons in dark valleys. It is a reminder that God leads, protects and guides His people. His presence brings peace and His plans for His people are good. Every Arkansan staff shared their reflections on these six verses and the promises of God that are in each. Their reflections speak into the character of God and the path He has set out for those who love Him. 

PSALMS 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

The job of a shepherd is to protect their flock, chase after lost sheep and guide them. In this verse, David describes the nature of God as a shepherd. God guides His people and protects them lovingly and with care. Because of this, we don’t have to be afraid because we can confidently trust that God is leading us where we need to go. We lack absolutely nothing in God. He is our strength, protector and keeper. Tori Martinez- Office Administrator

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

Sheep are unattractive creatures. They’re witless, defenseless, easily frightened and unclean by nature. King David knew this by experience, for as a boy he cared for sheep in all kinds of weather, defending them against the lion and the bear. He counted each by name as they ambled into the fold at night, and he slept by the door so that none would stray. He searched for any lost sheep and nursed the injured ones to health.

Yet David—the shepherd king of Israel—knew he was cared for by an even greater Shepherd. Thus, Psalms 23 becomes a fitting picture of our Lord Jesus Christ—the Shepherd King who offers abundant life and guides his flock today. As we gaze on our Good Shepherd through the eyes of a sheep, we can find comfort in his provision, protection and promises for eternity. Eric Bentley- Dream Center Mobile Director

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Yahweh restores the soul, but how? Psalms 19:7 shows us that it is the Yahweh’s law that is refreshing to the soul. To “restore” means to revive or quicken it. How good is Yahweh that His word never returns without accomplishing what He desires (Isa. 55:11), and that means restoring His people unto peace.

I also love “for the sake of His name”. Our Lord is so good and He is so awesome, that He will Shepherd His people along the right way for the sake of His own name. Our Father in Heaven knows that creation reflects Him to bring glory to His name and, as those who bear His name throughout the earth, He protects His own not only for their good, but also to preserve His rightful praise and glory within His people (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11). Zach Grimes- Dream Center Mobile Truck Lead

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

In the middle of trials, David reminds readers that we don’t have a spirit of fear because God is with us. What this verse does not promise is that we will not go through trials. We can take heart though because God is with us in those seasons. We don’t have to be afraid, we never walk alone. A shepherd’s rod and staff is used to protect and direct their flock. This is what God does for His people. In those seasons, take comfort in knowing God is directing and protecting you. Camille Grimes- Little Rock Dream Center Coach

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil. 

my cup overflows.

We may be surprised by this Psalms telling us that we will be in the presence of our enemies, but we should not be. As children of the Lord we are in opposition to the world, because of this we will have enemies. However, even in the presence of our enemies the Lord is intentional and generous in his provision for us. He will prepare us a table exceeding that of a banquet and he will refresh us with his anointing so that our cup overflows. Not only for our own betterment but also for our brothers and sisters around us and to show his abundance to those who do not know Him. Carson Miller- CityServe HUB Coordinator

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me. 

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever. 

When I read verse 6, I immediately hear hope from the Lord. His goodness, His love, His mercy (in other translations) will always be available to me no matter the day, the time or the season of life that I am in. The Lord will be with me all of my days. I think this verse brings encouragement and hope in hard seasons and joy in the easy ones. What more could we want than to be in God’s presence and have Him with us every day of our lives? Tessa French- Creative Coordinator