From the 23rd Psalm
by Sylvia Gunter
For every need, there is a name of Father-God that corresponds to the need. His faithfulness and his caring meet in the 23rd Psalm to portray our intimately personal Shepherd. God’s character in all of his covenant names can be seen in this psalm. Ask him what he wants you to know about who he is, what he does, what you have in him through each name. Cultivate your personal communion with God praying this Scripture.
The Lord is my Shepherd –
Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord my Shepherd
Thank your Shepherd that he knows you by name and wants to communicate with you. Talk to him about your intimate relationship with him.
I shall lack nothing –
Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord my Provider
Thank your good Shepherd that he provides all your needs, beginning with redemption. Ask him to carry all your worries, burdens, and cares.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters –
Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord my Peace
Thank Jesus your Peace for his attention to the details of your life. Tell him you want to see him more clearly in your “dailies.” Let him speak to you.
He restores my soul –
Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord my Healer
Because Jesus your Healer became man, he understands everything you have experienced. Thank your Healer for healing the hurts. Remember his times of restoration.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake –
Jehovah-Tsidkenu: The Lord my Righteousness
Thank the Righteous One that you are accepted in him and completely forgiven. Thank your Shepherd for his guidance of your life for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me –
Jehovah-Shammah: God who is there
Thank God who is there for his presence with you that dispels all fear. Your Shepherd is always there for you. Thank him that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Thank God for his loving authority in your life to discipline, correct, and give you the security of loving limits. Thank him that you can never mess up so bad that you fear punishment by him.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies –
Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord my Banner of victory
Thank your Banner for his strength and protection against the enemy. Thank him that Jesus lives victorious in you.
You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.
Thank your Shepherd for his grace and favor that he gives you so generously. Thank him that you can enjoy fellowship with him.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Thank your Shepherd that you can continuously sense his presence because of his faithfulness. Worship him with a song that speaks of his nearness and love.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2012/08/14/sg_character-of-your-father/