These words begin Psalm 23, which was probably written at the end of King David’s life. Think of it: after literal desert experiences, significant family troubles and major moral failings, David stays grounded on this wonderful truth, proven by experience. He then uses the rest of the psalm to elaborate by weaving in some of the names of God in subsequent verses:

Verse 1:  “I shall not want,” Jehovah Jireh “The Lord Will Provide” Genesis 22:14

Verse 2:  “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters,” Jehovah Shalom, “The Lord is my Peace,” Judges 6:22

Verse 3:  “He anoints my head with oil,” Jehovah Rapha, “The Lord is my Healer” Exodus 15:26

Verse 3:  “He leads me in paths of righteousness,” Jehovah Tsidkenu, “The Lord is my Righteousness” Jeremiah 23:6

Verse 4:  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me,”  Jehovah Shammah, “The Lord is ever present” Ezekiel 48:35

Verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” Jehovah Nissa “The Lord is my banner” Exodus 17:15

            David repeats some of these characteristics in the rest of the psalm, perhaps because they were especially meaningful. You can almost hear David saying that whatever he needed, God was there to meet his need. You can see this same attitude reflected in his final instructions to his son, Solomon:  “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)

As you enter into another Sabbath, may you find courage in knowing that the David’s God is with each of us today, working things out for our good and His glory. We’re in good hands!

Shabbat Shalom!