The twenty-third Psalm, with its magnificent poetry, its beautiful portrayal of peace and prosperity, and its assurances of God's direction and unfailing care, has been an inspiration to Bible readers down through the centuries. David's first words bring out the thought of God's loving guardianship: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This thought was reiterated by the prophets and employed by Christ Jesus. It is made practical for this age by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy.
The patriarchs and prophets had ample proof of God's abundant supply, as witness the desert manna and the widow's oil. Jesus declared (John 14:10), "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me he doeth the works," in explanation to a disciple of his constant ability to meet all the varied demands made upon him. And Mrs. Eddy amplifies this same theme in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she writes (p. 60), "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul."
David's psalm was couched in the language which his people could best understand. Living, as they did, in a dry and arid country, what could more vividly picture to them the full measure of supply than still waters and green pastures? For those who kept constant watch lest their flocks should stray into lurking danger, the paths of righteousness had an added assurance of the Father's loving care. In the Psalmist's thought there was neither doubt nor fear; no need to plead for support or protection. Instead, there was grateful acknowledgment of good and a clear realization that even if at any time he should seem to lose his understanding of God's allness, this too would inevitably be restored to him.
