David’s Psalms captures in essence the sentiments expressed in the last treatise on this subject. Conviction for or persuasion of the believer is manifest in the extent that he does not stray, following temptations that falsely promise satisfaction of our longings. Consider vs.2 of our text—

Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight.

You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows. So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! Psalm 23 (TPT)

The shepherd knows where the oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss is. There He restores and revives my life providing what I need the most. He not only guides, but protects, ready to discipline my straying eyes to focus and eat Him alone, the bread that satisfies.

Dearly beloved, ponder deeply the impact of His presence conveyed in our text of today. You will see differently what is needed every day for your sure guidance. Shalom.