David declares in Psalm 23 that the Lord is his Shepherd and he shall have no lack. Those of us who receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can claim the same things with boldness:

V1. The Lord is “MY SHEPHERD,” Jehovah Rohi, I shall not want. As I have a personal relationship with my Lord, Psalm 84:11 tells me that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. This is the assurance I have in my God. He promised to supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19), therefore I shall have no lack because He is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.

V2. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. I don’t have to fear or worry. I can lie down and rest in Him, enjoying the blessings He has bestowed upon me. He continues to lead me in the land of peace and joy, even though the storm of life are raging all around me.

V3. He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. When I’m wounded by the words of others, which may cause me to hurt physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally, He will give me beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). My God promises that He will deliver me to wholeness—all I have to do is forgive those who have done me wrong and myself for the way I may have dealt with the situations. When the enemy wants me to throw in the towel and give in or I may think I have done right but others see as wrong, He will continue to lead me on the right path—guiding me to my destiny where His purpose must be fulfilled in my life. He is Jehovah Rophe, the God who Heals.

V4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. When I’m going through my valley experience with my emotions, finances, desires, being unloved, I don’t have to fear because “FEAR” is false evidence appearing real. I must saturate myself with His Word declaring that I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord (Psalm 118:17). I must remember that I will have trials, but triumph will come, and with every test I will have a testimony. My ear must be attuned to hear His voice since He is “Alpha” in front of me and “Omega” behind me. I’m covered by His protection. He’s Jehovah Nissi, His banner over me is Love.

V4b. For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. He’s forever with me, when I am out of control His rod will hook me and bring me back to His fold where  I will be disciplined. “Parakletos,” the Holy Spirit, is always with me. He will lead me and guide me, and when I’m in danger He will hide me. He is Faithful so faithful to me. When I look back from where He brought me only His love and mercy will I see.

V5. You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. When there are those who give up on me and think I won’t make it, You come and pick me up from the miry clay and place my feet upon a firm foundation. You prepare a banquet table of blessings, giving me more than enough in the presence of my enemies and making my hope come alive in You.

V5b. You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. You have consecrated me and set me apart for service unto You. Your abundance shall be upon me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet—that others may see and know that You are the true and living God.

V6.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Your blessings shall continue to run me down and overtake me wherever I may go, for I am blessed to be a blessing. You promise that goodness and mercy will follow me. The angels that are assigned to me will always be with me—they’re my body-guards on duty 24/7, and because I have favor with You I will also have favor with men.

V6b. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I will reside in your Secret Place O Lord, for in Your presence is fullness of Joy and at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). As I drink from the fountain that never run dry, I glorify Your Name for all eternity.

“I will give You all my Worship, I will give You all my Praise. You alone I long to Worship, You alone are worthy of my Praise.” I could search the world over and never find anyone greater than You Lord—”MY SHEPHERD DIVINE.”  —submitted by Jacqui Doyle, US