5 Essential Life Lessons from Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Psalms. We have heard it many times and the lessons we can learn from it are timeless. Here are five of these lessons.

We need a shepherd

We like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient but that is just not reality. Even if we reject God, we need mentors, teachers, encouragers, confidants and sympathizers in our lives. But God is the perfect version of all of these things whereas humans are flawed.

A shepherd is protector, provider, guide, the one who is always there. He is assurance, a constant care giver, faithful and true. No person on earth can measure up to that!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1 (ESV)

Rest is essential

We cannot go on forever. We need times of rest. God has designed us for rest as well as for work. It is easy to get engaged with work and activities and neglect proper rest but our minds and our bodies need regular breaks from demanding routines.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:2 (ESV)

We need spiritual restoration

We all encounter demanding times in our lives. Seasons where are spiritual and mental resources run low require God’s help. We can become discouraged or tired or weak in our faith. The rhythms of life are a reality that we must accept. He is there to help renew and reenergize us. He leads us to places of revival and encouragement.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

Trials are never permanent

Some dark times in our lives are short, some are long, some seem like they will never end but none of them are ever permanent. When we follow Jesus, we can be sure that we will always come out of these dark valleys because we walk through them not stay in them. He is with us all the way. We can trust and rely on him.

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

      I will fear no evil,

                  for you are with me;

      your rod and your staff,

      they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

The shepherd’s rod and staff were used to keep the sheep moving in the right direction and they were also a reminder of his presence with him. God’s correction and presence will keep us going through the worst of times.

We need God’s presence

Jesus describes himself as the light of the world. We cannot survive without light. Our spirits are dead without the presence of God in them. He is light and life. We experience but a shadow of the presence of God in this world. Occasionally, he breaks through powerfully but mostly we experience him in a subtle but sublime way. In heaven, we will finally fully be in the glory of his presence. It promises to be overwhelming and truly awesome.

Until then, we can take comfort in the reality that God never leaves us or forsakes us. He is faithful. He is always with us.

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

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV)

Your turn

Psalm 23 is a wonderful teacher! It is always fun for me to find life lessons from God’s word. How about you? What has God taught you from his word lately? Whatever it is, you should share it with someone. When you do this you encourage and strengthen another follower of Jesus and that truly helps us all!

Now available is the complete: Transformational Life Lessons from the Bible in Kindle format. Click here for more information.