This post will guide you through the meditation of Psalm 23. It is one of the most commonly used Scriptures for meditation. To offer you an idea of how to start, what to do, and why it is important, this post will be your guide.
Why is Psalm 23 so popular for Christian Meditation? While the Book of Psalms is very popular, Psalm 23 is one of the most popular of them all, making this chapter of the Bible very significant. This chapter is relatable to anyone. It is universal. Expertly written, in a very intelligent and poetic way, this Psalm is the solution to the attacks of our enemies. Meditating on it will bring life from our God, as we keep our eyes on Him.
First, read Psalm 23 (KJV):
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
— Psalm 23 (KJV)
To meditate on this chapter of Scripture, it would be best to have it memorized. You can start your meditation time by simply memorizing this chapter. Memorizing Scripture is a form of meditation, all by itself. So take the time to memorize, even if it takes many days.
A Step by Step Guide to Meditation of Psalm 23
This guide will take you from the very beginning to the end of your meditation. Verse, by verse, let this guide take you through the meditation of Psalm 23. But above all else, free your thoughts and offer your mind to the Lord. Let Him speak to you, and to reveal Himself to you. He has revelations for you, that only you can receive from Him. This is a guide, not strictly religious steps to follow. Allow the Holy Spirit to move.
Preparing for Meditation
Consecrate your mind to the Lord. Let Him be the one to rule your thoughts and mind. Let go of the desires you have for your own life and the stresses that you carry. Surrender what is on your mind in this very moment, to the Lord. Let Him be the one to carry your burdens and hopes.
Be aware of your body. Let your muscles unwind and relax and be mindful of the present. To be mindful of the present, you can notice how your body feels in your clothes and the furniture that you’re on. Take notice of your breaths. How do they feel? Are your lungs being filled, or does the breath just pass your throat? Take deep breathes. Listen to your surroundings. Be present with what your body is experiencing, and then offer these feelings to the Lord.
Meditation on Verse One
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
During this part of the meditation, take a deep breath and dwell on God. He is your shepherd, He is your provider. Take ease in the knowledge that you do not need anything, but that He has it all for you. Any desires to look elsewhere, other than God, lay aside for the time being. Just be with Him.
The LORD is our shepherd. A shepherd in Biblical times would lay down his life for his sheep, protecting them from danger and death. The shepherd would make sure that the sheep were well taken care of and that they would not wander astray. David, the Psalmist, knew this very well because he was a former shepherd. He would protect his sheep unto death. How much more will an eternal, all-powerful God protect you?
Meditation on Verse Two
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
This beautiful poetic language applies to you. Exactly wherever you are at in this moment of time. Imagine the green pastures King David is escribing, imagine the still waters. Allow your heart to be as peaceful as this image. Invite Jesus into this space of serenity. He is with you. He gently lies you down in a green pasture, and he has lead you to still water. There is peace.
These two images of green pasture and still water offer the meditator an idea of serenity and nourishment. Spiritual needs are met in the pasture where you meet Jesus. It is calm and your spirit is at rest. The still water will nourish your body, for water is the source of life. The shepherd leads you into all good and perfect gifts.
Meditation on Verse Three
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
The Psalmist is very clear. Meditate on the pure truth that your soul is being restored. That the Lord sees your soul, and that He is restoring all that is broken. In this meditation, you are being made new.
Not only does the Good Shepherd lead you to peace and nourishment, but now He is leading you to a path of righteousness. Let this truth become your identity; you are on a path of righteousness. Believe this truth, because He does it for His glory. Surely, He is not a man that would lie.
Meditation on Verse Four
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
During David’s time, the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” was no joke. This was a real valley full of rotting human flesh, infant sacrifice, pagan worship, amongst other horrors.
The beauty here, is that no matter where you find yourself in life, even in your lowest of lows, meditate on this; you will have no fear. Allow yourself to apply this to your own life. But don’t stop there. Bring the lows to the Kingdom of God. You do not have to fear evil, because He is with you. He is with you, you are not alone. He is there to comfort you. His rod will ward off attacks of the enemy, and His staff will be used to guide you and lead you to safety.
Meditation on Verse Five
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
During this part of the meditation, dwell on this truth;
- Though your enemies are surrounding you, you are safe at God’s table.
- You are covered in His oil that a shepherd offers, which protects, heals, and prevents harm done to you.
- Your needs are seen and taken care of, with more than enough for what you need.
Meditation on Verse Six
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This is close to your mediation. Here, accept the truth that God’s goodness and mercy are with you. They are following you in the present moment. Also, meditate on the truth that there is a place for you in the Lord’s house. There is room for you. Picture your place in His house, in your own imagination. Imagine what this means by the Psalmist. What did he mean? Ask the Holy Spirit.
Instill into your heart that this truth is valid for the rest of your entire life. Repeat it over and over in your head. Invite the Holy Spirit to aid you into believing this truth.