- "The Lord is my shepherd." In these words, the believer is
taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great
Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With
joy he reflects that he has a shepherd, and that shepherd is
Jehovah. A flock of sheep, gentle and harmless, feeding in
verdant pastures, under the care of a skilful, watchful, and
tender shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to
the Shepherd of their souls. The greatest abundance is but a dry
pasture to a wicked man, who relishes in it only what pleases
the senses; but to a godly man, who by faith tastes the goodness
of God in all his enjoyments, though he has but little of the
world, it is a green pasture. The Lord gives quiet and
contentment in the mind, whatever the lot is. Are we blessed
with the green pastures of the ordinances, let us not think it
enough to pass through them, but let us abide in them. The
consolations of the Holy Spirit are the still waters by which
the saints are led; the streams which flow from the Fountain of
living waters. Those only are led by the still waters of
comfort, who walk in the paths of righteousness. The way of duty
is the truly pleasant way. The work of righteousness in peace.
In these paths we cannot walk, unless. God lead us into them,
and lead us on in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from
unbelief; an unsteady walk is the consequence: let us then
simply trust our Shepherd's care, and hearken to his voice. The
valley of the shadow of death may denote the most severe and
terrible affliction, or dark dispensation of providence, that
the psalmist ever could come under. Between the part of the
flock on earth and that which is gone to heaven, death lies like
a dark valley that must be passed in going from one to the
other. But even in this there are words which lessen the terror.
It is but the shadow of death: the shadow of a serpent will not
sting, nor the shadow of a sword kill. It is a valley, deep
indeed, and dark, and miry; but valleys are often fruitful, and
so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. It is a
walk through it: they shall not be lost in this valley, but get
safe to the mountain on the other side. Death is a king of
terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ. When they come to die,
God will rebuke the enemy; he will guide them with his rod, and
sustain them with his staff. There is enough in the gospel to
comfort the saints when dying, and underneath them are the
everlasting arms. The Lord's people feast at his table, upon the
provisions of his love. Satan and wicked men are not able to
destroy their comforts, while they are anointed with the Holy
Spirit, and drink of the cup of salvation which is ever full.
Past experience teaches believers to trust that the goodness and
mercy of God will follow them all the days of their lives, and
it is their desire and determination, to seek their happiness in
the service of God here, and they hope to enjoy his love for
ever in heaven. While here, the Lord can make any situation
pleasant, by the anointing of his Spirit and the joys of his
salvation. But those that would be satisfied with the blessings
of his house, must keep close to the duties of it.
onfidence in God's grace and care.