Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

This verse about the character of His anointed takes on two aspect. One is carnal and the other spiritual.

As Lord He has the right to make us lie down. The imagery of green pastures is carnal in the sense of provision while encouraging a relaxed posture. It gives way to images of a picnic on a grassy knoll. It should be restful, pleasant and satisfying.

The imagery of still waters is one of the power of the Holy Spirit at work somewhere else outside of our placement on the pasture. We may see the movement of the Holy Spirit but it is not for us to follow it down stream to see where He will enact God’s will.

The flesh is curious to see and understand. The Spirit encourages us to relax and just allow the waters to flow without fear or anxiety over where He goes and what He does next. He enacts the will of God. We should not take on the attitude that we have accomplished anything.

The important message here is relationship over performance. Our Lord cares more about us than our service. While we do get anxious in service and performance, the Lord emphasizes relationship first.

Yesterday Psalm 23 was quoted. That psalm shows the characteristics of the Lord’s anointed. This begs us to ask of ourselves, are we His anointed? Before we look at Psalm 23 let us answer that question first.

Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Acts 10:44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and in turn our Lord anoints us with the Holy Spirit.

We are the Lord’s anointed. Psalm 23 will indicate to us what being the Lord’s anointed means, how we should see ourselves, and how we should respond to that anointing.

We must begin with Psalm 23 verse 1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Jesus Christ must be the Lord of our lives. We must surrender to His Lordship and not simply ask for a Savior. We are His sheep and harken to His voice. Obedience of faith is required because He is Lord of all.

I shall not want takes on both spiritual aspects and fleshly concerns. Both center on the sufficiency of Christ. Spirit gifts are given for the use of our ministry. Gifts are given, not taken. As Lord He decides the gifts bestowed and how they shall be sued. It is much like driving the car provided, stay in your lane and drive safely with consideration for the safety of others.

Fleshly concerns are difficult because they are of the flesh. We need a roof over our heads for shelter and the Lord will provide. His provision is sufficient unto our task as His anointed servants. Do we desire a showplace to impress others and feel good about ourselves or do we thank the Lord for what we are given? The same can be said for food and clothing.