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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evilfor you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.This is for Psalm 23:1-4Verse 1:In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep (1 Samuel 16:10, 11). Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd (John 10:11), the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Great Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As the Lord is the good shepherd, so we are his sheep---not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in right ways, This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the good shepherd, follow him!Verse 2,3When we allow God, our shepherd, to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin and go our own way, however, we cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the “green pastures” and” still streams” that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following him obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherd’s way. Verse 4Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies---pain, suffering, disease, injury---but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side---the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.--- Life Application Study Bible notesPRAYER Lord, I feel lost. I need Your guidanceHe makes lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,Lord, I am scared.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Lord, I struggle with anguish in my soul and with sorrow in my heart.He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.Lord, Don’t let my enemies gloat at my downfall.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil: my cup overflows.Lord, I praise You for Your goodness and unfailing love for me.I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ name,Amen