The Banqueting Psalm - Psalm 23

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.

Is it odd that He only leads into the path of righteousness and then the next verse speaks of being led onto a path of darkness? No, for in this life we will always be faced with the possibility of darkness; as there is day and night, there are times of light and darkness in life’s circumstances

The “valley of the shadow of death” is literally “a valley of deep darkness;” paths that are low in valleys get dark faster than paths on ridges, and they are the easiest paths to get lost on. Since they are down low, predators like to strike from above while their prey is in a vulnerable position (righteousness keeps us on the “high ground”)
The wolf never gets very far away from the sheep and is constantly stalking (the shadow of death is always there)
Satan stalks us like a roaring lion, ready to pounce when we are vulnerable to temptation and deception; his “devouring” takes the shape of influencing us to fall ethically and morally, into “evil”
The rod and the staff were the tools of the trade for the shepherd, used to protect the sheep from predators and keep the sheep from wandering off; we can have peace and security knowing that if we begin to wander off the trail the Lord will “wop” us with His staff to get us back on track, and He will use that same “staff” to ward off the wolves
We can take comfort in this

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies
David changed the analogy from shepherd to a banquet hall where a gracious host provided wonderful hospitality. This generous host prepared a lavish table for David even while his enemies plotted against him and were even “at the door.” David takes great pleasure in the picture of enjoying a great banquet while his enemies are coming to get him
The host offered his guests cleansing and refreshing olive oil that each guest had poured over their heads in preparation for a well-prepared banquet (think finger bowls and hot towels)

David’s circumstances are not the subject of this psalm; he acknowledged that he was in trouble with the language of darkness, valleys and enemies, but he was comforted and at peace because of his relationship with the Lord. Because of his relationship with the Lord he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever

We never know how much we might miss this strange little thing called church until we don’t have it, and then we realize it means something to us. As David meditated, he understood and resolved to never leave it again
Communion with the Lord in His sanctuary is a place of peace, comfort, strength and blessing