Psalm 23

This is without doubt the best known Psalm. For some reason it is often read at funerals, but this is a Psalm for the living! 

The Lord is the one who guides us in life. Sheep can be pretty stupid, as can we, not knowing what danger lurks, but the Lord is our Shepherd and provides all we need. He seeks out the green pastures for our lives. God knows what is best for us.

Stress and depression are major problems in the West, and there are many self-help guides and stuff like that, but the Lord is the one who helps us. The Lord is the One who knows how to look after my mental and emotional health. Now He does this in different ways to the world (John 14:27), but He will give us times of peace.

He guides us along the right paths to fulfil His plans. At times this will take us through dark valleys, but in these times we need have no fear, for the Lord will protect us.

He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. We may think at times that we are surrounded by forces that are looking forward to seeing our defeat, but in fact all they will see is the blessing of the Lord on our lives. We are anointed by the Lord and His goodness will follow us all the days of our lives. We should have an expectation of the Lord's goodness coming in to our lives.