The Lord is my Shepherd (He is taking care of me).

 

I shall not want (He will provide for my needs).

 

He makes me to lie down in green pastures (sheep need to lie down and rest after eating so their bodies can digest their food properly - they don't know this, but the Good Shepherd does).

 

He leads me beside the still waters (sheep are afraid of running water and will die of thirst before they will drink from a stream).

 

He restores my soul (the lambs skip at the Shepherd's feet and feel

safe and happy).

 

He leads me through the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (He knows the pathway I must take and ensures that I take the right one).

 

Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will

fear no evil. (In my spirit, I am like a puppy who knows its' master

waits on the other side of the door. It doesn't matter what else is

there on the other side - the Master is there waiting and that's all I

need to know.)

 

For thou art with me. (Even as I face death, I am not alone. Not only

is my Master waiting on the other side, He is with me even as I face

death.)

 

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (A shepherd uses a rod to fight off wild animals who would hurt his flock. The curved hook at the end of the staff can fit right under a sheeps' front legs and lift him out of a hole or off a ledge he has fallen into. The rod and the staff keep the sheep safe.)

 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

(Some believe that the literal translation was "you spread your sword in front of me as I face my enemies". Imagine facing Satan's army with the Lord's sword in front of you! Alternately, imagine the Lord spreading a banquet for you while all those who oppose you watch in disgust and disbelief!)

 

Thou anointest my head with oil. (Oil was a healing ointment for

wounds or diseases. It was also used to set aside those called to

higher service as in kings being anointed for their positions.)

 

My cup runneth over. (My blessings are abundant.)

 

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (God has a plan for your

life and mine...and it's awesome!)

 

 submitted by Melissa