From the outset, the psalmist (David) is supremely confident of who God is. In verse 1, David emphatically states he has all he needs. David goes a step further and extols in beautiful imagery and detail all God provides: peace, renewal, guidance and rest.

Then the ultimate point. Not only does God provide for all David's needs, he elevates him. He bestows on David a place of honor at the table.

We are given this same honor. Even among "enemies," such as hurts, challenges and struggles, we are held to the highest place of honor at God's table. We are served and fed and cared for. Every need is met, including rest. Like a great dinner host who has thought through the details of the entire evening, our host God misses nothing. He provides for all our needs.

For us, Psalm 23 is a reminder of God's character and how he sees us. Yet it is also an invitation to see God the way David saw him: Protector, Provider, Rest-giver. The Father has already prepared the table so that when we arrive, our only obligation is to sit and dine with him.

Application

Read through Psalm 23 more than once. What imagery resonates with you? What imagery stirs a desire or want in you? In what part of the psalm can you picture yourself? Pray that God will give you a picture of what rest can look like for you.

Go Deeper Resources

• Commit Psalm 23 to memory. As you feel overwhelmed, struggling, tired, or more, pray the psalm. Let it be a reminder to you of God's invitation to rest.
• Listen to Passion City Church's five-part daily journey through Psalm 23.