My cup overflows

It is an image of abundance, a cup overflowing, and contentment. Psalm 23 reminds us that in life or in death — in times of plenty or want — God is good and worthy of our trust. The psalm uses the metaphor of a shepherd’s care for his sheep to describe the wisdom, strength and kindness of our God.

Jesus the good shepherd

In the New Testament, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23, and at the graveside of his friend Lazarus, this is especially evident. For there, as we learn from John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, that “Jesus wept.”

God sustains you and gives you contentment

It is what God always does for His people: You prepare a table before me. God uses this picture to tell you that He will sustain you by giving you strength. As your body is strengthened by a good meal, so you will be sustained as the Lord Himself feeds you. He not only gives you what you need, he gives you a cup overflowing.

His rod and staff

The symbol represents the concern and compassion that a shepherd has for his sheep. The rod conveys the concept of authority, power, discipline and defense of the sheep. The staff represents all that is long suffering and kind.

Scripture recitation

You, too, can recite passages of Scripture, speaking God’s word into the lives of others. This is one of many recitation videos in the collection at the By Heart videos webpage and in the By Heart YouTube channel. It is a wonderful example of how, in whatever way you naturally communicate, you can convey the message of the Bible. Visit the By Heart website to learn how you can memorize Scripture and learn to recite. You can find this passage at the Bible Gateway.