Why David Declared He Was Content and Confident

Dec 8

Dec 8 Why David Declared He Was Content and Confident

Devos and Studies, Psalms Devos_Studies, God's Word

The Shepherd Psalm

What's the most well-known and popular psalm in the Bible? Hands down, it's Psalm 23.

It is a calming and reassuring prayer that's brought comfort and hope to POWs and millions of others through the centuries. In the Presence of Mine Enemies, is a classic VietNam POW testimony related to Psalm 23.

A more recent testimony is In the Presence of My Enemies, by Gracia Burnham. The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group kidnapped Gracia and her husband Martin, New Tribes missionaries, in 2001. I remember this story well since we lived in the Philippines while it was front-page news. (Some links on my site allow me to earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.)

Psalm 23 could very well be called the Lord's psalm. A favorite at funerals because of its comforting words, it is short and descriptive, making it a memorable favorite.

It's a very personal expression of trust in God. It is short and compact, yet filled with deep, dynamic, and rich language.

King David was a shepherd before he was a warrior and king (1 Sam 16:11-13; 17:34-37). He understood the responsibility of a shepherd caring for his sheep from personal experience.

This psalm expresses confident statements and assurances of God's provision, guidance, restoration, protection, and presence. It's intensely personal.

Perhaps this is why it's such a popular psalm. Anyone can lean into this comforting prayer and profession of trust. It expresses the personal and hope-filled nature of faith (Heb 11:6).

Take time to read through it thoughtfully. Hear how David expresses his intimate and confident trust in the Lord.

Scripture

A psalm by David.
The Lord is my shepherd. I am never in need.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters.
He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. [vss 1-3]
Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm.
Your rod and your staff give me courage. You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. [vss 4-5]
Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the Lord’s house for days without end. [vs 6]
(Psalm 23:1-6 GW) [Context– Psalm 23]

Reflections and Insights

Here’s what stands out to me as I read through this remarkable psalm.

David begins this powerful confession of faith by declaring the Lord—the Eternal One—as the Shepherd of his life. It is a confession of implicit trust, which David explains in specific ways despite his circumstances.

Even in the darkest valley, David is confident in the Lord’s presence and protection. Although surrounded by enemies, David knows the Lord will provide for him and bless him.

David’s confident trust in the Lord is evident in the closing stanza, as it’s expressed in another familiar version—

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalms 23:6 NKJV)

The promise David declares in verse 3—He renews (restores) my soul!—is a promise all of us can embrace.

To gain this level of confidence and trust, the Lord needs to be your personal Shepherd—an intimate and personal trust relationship between yourself and God.

This psalm will encourage you when you repeat its simple, confident statements, no matter what adversity you face.

Especially if you're going through discouraging and challenging times—read and pray through this psalm morning and evening for a week.

At the end of the week, reflect on how your view of things changes and how God makes His presence known to you.

Digging deeper to Make it personal...

Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions

What is the confident statement made by King David at the beginning?
How does this first line reveal how personal this psalm is?
What are the ways David sees the Lord personally involved in his life?
Which statements express great assurances and express David's confidence in the Lord?
If you're familiar with King David's life (1 & 2 Samuel), how are all these confident statements reflective of the journey of his life?
Do you have a similar confident trust in God as King David expresses in this psalm?
How have you experienced the Lord's personal guidance and protection in your life?
Are any of these assuring and confirming statements hard for you to accept now?
Are you willing to trust God for His provision, guidance, restoration, protection, and presence in your life?