EGW WritingsPsalms 23

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

My First Public Prayer

CET 30.2

When I was first struck down, some of those present were greatly alarmed, and were about to run for a physician, thinking that some sudden and dangerous indisposition had attacked me; but my mother bade them let me alone, for it was plain to her, and to the other experienced Christians, that it was the wondrous power of God that had prostrated me. When I did return home, on the following day, a great change had taken place in my mind. It seemed to me that I could hardly be the same person that left my father’s house the previous evening. This passage was continually in my thoughts: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1. My heart was full of happiness as I softly repeated these words.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

My First Public Prayer

LS 38.3

When I was first struck down, some of those present were greatly alarmed, and were about to run for a physician, thinking that some sudden and dangerous indisposition had attacked me; but my mother bade them let me alone, for it was plain to her, and to the other experienced Christians, that it was the wondrous power of God that had prostrated me. When I did return home, on the following day, a great change had taken place in my mind. It seemed to me that I could hardly be the same person that left my father’s house the previous evening. This passage was continually in my thoughts: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1. My heart was full of happiness as I softly repeated these words.

Lift Him Up

The Divine Shepherd, July 7

LHU 202.3

This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah’s mission, in the comforting words, ... “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). David had sung, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: “I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them.” “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” “And I will make with them a covenant of peace.” “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; ... but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid” (Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28)....

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd

DA 476.3

This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah’s mission, in the comforting words, “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! ... He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:9-11. David had sung, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1. And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: “I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them.” “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” “And I will make with them a covenant of peace.” “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; ... but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.” Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28.

Lift Him Up

The Sheep of His Pasture, July 20

LHU 215.1

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. Psalm 23:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 89a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 89a, 1897, par. 6

We want now the peace of perfect trust in God, the peace of God, “that passeth understanding.” [Philippians 4:7.] The heavenly intelligences will be our assistants in the school, for the teachers will be laborers together with God. If every worker will trust in Jesus as his efficiency, he will feel the soothing influence of the words, “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.” [Psalm 23:1, 2.] The Lord Jesus saith unto you, “My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you.” [John 14:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 52, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, par. 3

Then comes from the Psalmist, and from the voices of the assembled people in holy song of praise, “The Lord hath been mindful of us; He will bless us.” “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.” “I will praise thee, O Lord; with my whole heart will I show forth thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee. I will sing praise to Thy name, O thou Most High.” [Psalm 115:12; 23:1-3; 9:1, 2.] Israel had not a cold and severe judge in their God, whom the little mind of man could not take hold upon. In order to reveal God as He is, full of mercy and truth, He gave Jesus to our world to represent the love of the Father, that in the person of Christ there might be a sure representative for their faith to grasp, the only begotten Son of the infinite God, the manifested brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. That God, the great Ruler of the universe, had a deep interest in every home, to help, to bless, to cheer, to strengthen. Then let us believe and love and trust Him.

Education

Chapter 17—Poetry and Song

Ed 164.2

“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....
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.” Psalm 23:1-4.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1520—Ministers to Proclaim the Word; Avoid the Appearance of Evil

21MR 95.1

The Lord has presented your case before me several times, and I have written out the instruction given me for you, but I cannot now find it among my writings. Since coming here I have once more been given a presentation of your case. Your work has been represented to me in figures. You were passing round to a company a vessel filled with most beautiful fruit. But as you offered them this fruit you spoke words so harsh, and your attitude was so forbidding, that no one would accept it. Then another came to the same company, and offered them the same fruit. And so courteous and pleasant were His words and manner as He spoke of the desirability of the fruit, that the vessel was emptied. The words were spoken, “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” [Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 23; Psalm 25:4-10, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 32, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 9

Open your heart to the cheerful rays of the Sun of Righteousness. “For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint,” “looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of my faith,” “and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Behold the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” [Isaiah 50:7, 9, 10; Hebrews 12:2.] Read Psalms 23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 164, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 164, 1902, par. 4

“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 forever.” [Psalm 23:1-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 147, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 147, 1903, par. 17

“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 forever.” [Psalm 23:1-6.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 413.1

The same beautiful and expressive figures are carried throughout the Bible. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses pointed to Him as the rock of Israel’s salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15); the psalmist sang of Him as “my Redeemer,” “the rock of my strength,” “the rock that is higher than I,” “a rock of habitation,” “rock of my heart,” “rock of my refuge.” In David’s song His grace is pictured also as the cool, “still waters,” amid green pastures, beside which the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock. Again, “Thou shalt make them,” he says, “drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life.” Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9. And the wise man declares, “The wellspring of wisdom [is] as a flowing brook.” Proverbs 18:4. To Jeremiah, Christ is “the fountain of living waters;” to Zechariah, “a fountain opened ... for sin and for uncleanness.” Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1.

That I May Know Him

The Living Water, January 18

TMK 24.5

References: Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9; Proverbs 18:4; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1; Isaiah 26:4 (margin); 32:2; 41:17; 44:3; 35:6; 55:1; Revelation 22:1, 17.

My Life Today

Take a Day in the Country, July 21

ML 206.1

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. Psalm 23:2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 58, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 58, 1898, par. 22

These are precious words. We are adopted into the family of God. We are to be His peculiar people. Those who mingle with worldlings should make special efforts to win them to Christ. We should seek by much prayer for wisdom to speak to those who are ignorant of their duty to God, ignorant of the word of the Lord. But when we find that we cannot lift them out of their sin, or awaken in their hearts a desire to be saved in the Lord’s appointed way, then if we choose their society we become one with them. Christ is as the vine to all who choose to be united with Him. He feeds and nourishes the soul. “He restoreth my soul and leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake.” [Psalm 23:3.]

Counsels on Health

In the Country

CH 167.3

Under these influences, combined with the influence of careful treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eye regains its brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice give place to tones of content. The words express the belief, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, “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.” “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Psalm 23:4; Luke 1:46, 47; Isaiah 40:29. The acknowledgment of God’s goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 17—In the Country

7T 86.3

Under these influences, combined with the influence of careful treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eye regains its brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice give place to tones of content. The words express the belief: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard: “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.” “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Psalm 23:4; Luke 1:46, 47; Isaiah 40:29. The acknowledgment of God’s goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 19—In Contact With Nature

MH 267.6

As physical health is regained, men and women are better able to exercise that faith in Christ which secures the health of the soul. In the consciousness of sins forgiven there is inexpressible peace and joy and rest. The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. The words express the belief, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “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.” “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Psalm 46:1; 23:4; Isaiah 40:29.

The Retirement Years

Helpful Bible Texts for Seniors

RY 186.1

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.—Psalm 23:4.

From the Heart

Compare the Sinner and the Righteous, May 1

FH 133.1

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 19e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 19e, 1892, par. 5

“Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” [Isaiah 26:4.] “If God be for us, who can be against us?” [Romans 8:31.] So with firm step, making melody in your heart, sing His praises. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” [Psalm 27:1.] “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.” [Psalm 23:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 44, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 44, 1902, par. 13

Under such an influence, combined with the influence of good treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eyes regain their brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice give place to tones of content. The words express the belief, “God is a refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble.” The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, “Yea, though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod, and Thy staff they comfort me.” [Psalm 46:1; 23:4.] “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” [Luke 1:46, 47.] “He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” [Isaiah 40:29.] The acknowledgement of God’s goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 82, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 82, 1902, par. 14

Under these influences, combined with the influence of good treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eyes regain their brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice gives place to tones of content. The words express the belief, “God is a refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble.” [Psalm 46:1.] The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, “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.” [Psalm 23:4.] “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” [Luke 1:46, 47.] “He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” [Isaiah 40:29.] The acknowledgement of God’s goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 26, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 26, 1895, par. 18

We must put faith into constant exercise, and trust in God whatever our feelings may be. Isaiah says, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” [Isaiah 50:10.] You can say with the Psalmist, “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 my 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 for ever.” [Psalm 23:4-6.]

Sons and Daughters of God

God’s Goodness and Mercy Inspire Courage, July 10

SD 198.1

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 23:6.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Sabbath Meetings

6T 367.2

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” Psalm 23:6; 73:24, 25.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

United with the Church Above

3TT 33.2

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” Psalm 23:6; 73:24, 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 138, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 138, 1897, par. 18

While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, to complain, but the manifestations of His great mercy and unfailing mercy and love and power revealed in our deliverance, we will praise far more than complain. We will talk of the loving faithfulness of God, as the true, tender, compassionate Shepherd of His flock, which He has declared none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining, but praise, like clear flowing streams, will come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [Psalm 23:6.] “Thou shall guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” “Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” [Psalm 73:24, 25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 137, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 137, 1898, par. 13

Let everyone respect himself or herself because Christ has paid a ransom for each soul. All are His bought captives, and they are to become His free sons, the sons of God. If the Lord is believed, if the Lord Jesus is accepted as our personal Saviour, it will make us to be honored of all the angelic universe as sons of God, children of the heavenly King. Then may they say, “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” [Psalm 23:6.] The Lord will take the humble and contrite soul and bring him into connection with the excellent of the earth. This is the work the Lord Jesus longs to do for every soul that will come to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 178, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 178, 1903, par. 16

While living on this earth, we may be united with divinity and be taught of God. He delights to enlighten the understanding of those who come to Him in their weakness and manifest their dependence upon Him for strength. The Holy Spirit is the efficiency for every one. By this agency God helps every person who will be worked and molded in accordance with the divine likeness. He whose perceptive faculties are quickened as the result of this fashioning process can say, “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.” [Psalm 23:6.]