Verses: Psalm 23Sample

Psalm 23:5-6
[5] You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Today is our third and final day in Psalm 23! These last two verses help set proper expectations for the journey ahead of us with God as our Shepherd.

First, it’s honest about the pains. We don’t merely find green pastures and quiet waters; they have their place but are not our only experiences. In verse 4, we saw that though God is our Shepherd, we’re not given a “get out of jail free” card once we become His sheep. God’s sheep aren’t exempted from trials but rather led through them. We’re not shielded from walking through harsh paths and dark valleys. Here, in verse 5, we add enemies to the list of challenges. It’s an honest and realistic reminder that we will face opposition and forces of evil in life. Jesus Himself told His disciples in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this life. He’s not selling an easy life; He’s offering us His presence amid a hard life.

Second, it’s honest about the joys. Not only is God our Shepherd, but also our Host! He does what most shepherds would never do for their sheep: set a table before them to eat a meal with them. The kindness doesn’t end there. He’s not only feeding our hungry bellies but also pouring oil on our heads and filling our wine glasses to overflowing. The oil is both a sign of honor and protection. In the Middle East, shepherds would anoint the heads of their sheep to keep various annoying bugs and parasites away. Not all was idyllic, but this is a sign of the Shepherd’s care for us in the smaller things. Our cup overflowing with wine is a powerful visual of God’s extravagant generosity and provision for us! It’s not measured out in small portions begrudgingly or resentfully; it’s poured out to overflowing, reminding us there is no lack in God. On this journey, not only are death and enemies nearby, but more importantly God’s goodness and mercy are even nearer. From beginning to end, through every twist and turn along the way, they refuse to abandon us but are always on our heels.

Where does this whole psalm and story end? In the house of God forever. What a glorious end… In his book “The Lord of Psalm 23,” David Gibson said:

“You are not journeying just somewhere with your shepherd. Your exodus journey is not an aimless wandering in the wilderness. You are on your Father’s porch. You are journeying to the house of the Lord. You are heading home.”

Take heart; our Lord is a Good Shepherd and will see our journey home! May Psalm 23 be a companion to you throughout your life until you’re finally with Him again, face to face.

Meditate

• Read - Read verses 3-4 a few times out loud. Then read the whole Psalm through!
• Pray - In your journal, write out verses 5-6. The intention here is to slow down with the passage and linger in it. What words or phrases jump out at you? Turn those observations into a prayer for your day. Try writing these verses in your own words.
• Sing - Listen to and/or sing Psalm 23:5-6 by A Boy and His Kite below. As you can throughout your day, try to listen to the song a few times on our Verses app or your digital streaming platform of choice. Listen through all three songs throughout the day!