41. Unveiling the Meaning of Psalm 23

Some people say you never recover from grief, but I know you can because I did. And this psalm will aid you on the path to recovery.

I believe the context of this Psalm is largely misunderstood because it is commonly viewed as just about death.

However, it is much more than just a cute funeral poem; it is a template for coping with everyday problems.

Psalm 23 is a metaphor for our journey through life. It is a guide to comfort and strengthen us as we journey through our grief. This beautiful, well-known psalm helps us embrace healing, recovery, and a hopeful future.

Psalm 23, the shepherd’s Psalm, assures us that God is our friend, shepherding us through our darkest moments.

Background to Psalm 23

David, the humble boy shepherd and later the King of Israel, wrote this Psalm, which appears to be about his own personal experience. David declares that God is his Shepherd. He proceeds to paint a beautiful word picture of the excellent care that God gives amid suffering.

When David was a shepherd, his job was to look after the pregnant ewes (Ps 78:70,71). He knew how to nurture his flock.

One day, David risked his life to rescue a lamb, which illustrates God’s respect for every individual.

Jesus Christ himself seems to refer to this when He says. ‘I am the shepherd of the sheep, the good shepherd’ (John 10:11). This echoes the familiar story of Jesus leaving the ninety-nine sheep to search for the lost one.

A good shepherd guides his sheep into the safety of the fold. The shepherd then cares, protects, and provides for them because they are his. The sheep know the Shepherd’s voice, and they follow him because they love and trust him.

My Experience with Psalm 23

When I was a protestant pastor, I researched Psalm 23 in depth. I began using it during a funeral service I was leading. This is when I noticed that the process of going through the dark valley was like journeying through grief.

The shepherd would lead his charges along a safe path, bringing them to a place of rest.

Since then, I’ve often referred to Psalm 23 in sermons. Many people shared with me that it helped them in difficult times.

I decided that since this wonderful Psalm has helped so many people, I would use it as a frame of reference for this book.

I really like and appreciate Psalm 23. This wonderful Psalm allows us to understand how much God loves and cares for us.

God is Everywhere

Father God is omnipresent, which means God is present everywhere at once. God is eternal and always was, and always will be. It is possible to relate to the Most High eternal God through the work of the Holy Trinity.

From the time I committed my life to Christ in 1976, I have lacked nothing, even during the dark valley of grief.

In the middle of grieving, God has enabled me to lie down in green pastures, relieving me of the need to strive or worry.

As I trust and rest in him. God enables me to step back from my problems. God invites me to lie down and to chill out in the greenness of God’s love.

So many times, I have felt God’s guidance. His voice is safe and sure, albeit a still small voice, an impression, a Bible verse, or someone’s wise advice.

Even though I have often strayed from the designated path (as we all do occasionally). I have been gently guided back. Sometimes, I have returned kicking and screaming, realising much later that God’s momentary discipline saved me. Through it all, God is always there.

If You feel in despair right now. You can purchase my book NOTHING GOOD ABOUT GRIEF on Amazon to help you through.

Don’t worry, as you will come through this. Your shepherd is walking with you through all the grief and pain. He is leading you on the right path to recovery.

Just say this simple prayer- Jesus, I trust in You!

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I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.

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