Finding Strength and Guidance in the 23rd Psalm

Stepping Aside from Business Talk

Hello everyone!

We're stepping aside from our usual business talk today to discuss something close to my heart.

Over the next two posts, we're breaking down the 23rd Psalm.

Even if you're not into religion, stick with me; there’s something in these old verses for everyone — something that helped me when I was at my lowest.

Most of us have really only ever heard the 23rd Psalm at a funeral.

It is a comforting psalm; it gives us solace in times of struggle, especially when dealing with the subject of death.

For those who believe in Yahweh and follow Jesus, this Psalm speaks deeply.

But the cool thing is, even if you don't believe in God, I want you to continue reading this post and hear the profound comfort that the psalm gives.

Perhaps there is something here that you've been looking for.

A Personal Journey Through Struggles

2019 was the worst year of my life — up to that point.

But another difficult year later made 2019 look like a cakewalk.

During my struggles in 2019, I hired a life coach, the first and only one I've ever hired.

His name was Tim Storey, and he helped me navigate that very difficult time.

I'm very grateful to Tim for his help.

One of the things he encouraged me to do was to meditate on and recite the 23rd Psalm every single day.

I did this for months.

It wasn't until my most recent struggles that I returned to my daily meditation on the 23rd Psalm.

This time it hit differently.

I saw so much depth in it that I had completely missed before.

In this and the next post, I want to share with you the gems that I found in the depth of the 23rd Psalm.

The 23rd Psalm

First, let's recall the 23rd Psalm for those who may not remember it or perhaps have never heard it:

The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He keeps me alive.

He guides me on the right path for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I don't fear evil Because you are with me.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup overflows.

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

That might not be an official translation, it's just what I remember and recite every day after years of focusing on this psalm.

Let's break down each section and explore its profound comfort and guidance.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

What is a shepherd?

In our society, unless you live next to someone who farms sheep or know a shepherd, you might not fully understand.

I had the unique experience of living next door to a sheep farm.

My neighbor, a very nice guy, raised sheep.

I learned a lot about what a shepherd does, and it's fascinating to relate this to how the Lord acts as our shepherd.

A shepherd's job is to take the sheep from one place to another safely.

This includes providing food, water, protection, and care.

If a sheep gets sick or hurt, the shepherd takes care of it.

This role is to guard, protect, and lead.

Similarly, the psalm begins by assuring us that the Lord is our shepherd.

He leads us, provides for us, and protects us.

When we say, "I lack nothing," it means everything we need is provided because the Lord is our shepherd.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

Sheep eat grass and rest on the ground.

The beauty of the Lord as our Shepherd is that He leads us to rest in abundance.

When you rest in the Lord, He has you right where He wants you, surrounded by everything you need for sustenance.

“He leads me beside still waters.”

Sheep prefer to drink from still waters rather than moving ones.

They can be hesitant to drink from fast-moving streams due to fear.

The psalm illustrates that the Lord understands our fears and leads us to places where we can find refreshment without fear.

“He keeps me alive.”

This line is often translated as "He restores my soul."

It means the same thing: the Shepherd's role is to keep the sheep alive and well.

In times of struggle, the Lord keeps us alive and takes care of us, restoring our soul.

“He guides me on the right path for his name's sake.”

Have you ever faced decisions where you didn't know which way to go?

The psalm assures us that the Lord, as our shepherd, will guide us on the right path.

And the best part is that He does it for His name's sake.

The shepherd's reputation is at stake, not ours.

Reflect and Find Peace

Think about the guidance you have in your own life.

How does knowing you're not walking alone change things?

We've just scratched the surface of the shepherd's guidance, which can bring real peace and direction into our lives.

We've talked about green pastures and still waters, showing how these ancient words can bring calm and assurance.

Next Time: Facing Dark Valleys

In the next post, we’ll tackle the tougher parts of the psalm.

We’ll look at what it means to walk through dark valleys and not be afraid because we know we’re not alone.

We’ll dive into how facing tough times with the right mindset can strengthen us, both personally and in our businesses.

If you have questions or want to chat, just reach out. I'll be happy to discuss this further.

Here's to your success!

The Real Jason Duncan