n my 38 years of ministry, one of the most frequently quoted passages from the Old Testament is Psalm 23. It holds the same weight in the Old Testament as John 3:16 does in the New Testament. Children learn to recite it by heart, Sunday School teachers beam with pride when their students remember it, and ministers rejoice when preaching on its truths. It’s a beloved scripture used by prayer warriors, recited in countless denominations, and many even use verse six in place of “The Grace”: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." It sounds great, doesn’t it?

However, what the Holy Spirit revealed to me this morning is that, in many Christian circles, the core essence of Psalm 23 is often overlooked—the phrase: "He leads me in the path of righteousness for his name's sake!"

In this psalm, David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, uses the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate our relationship with Christ. As sheep, we desire the peace of still waters, we long to lack nothing, we hope to navigate through the darkest valleys without fear, and we want to feast safely in the presence of our enemies. Yet all these blessings are contingent upon one critical truth: we must follow the Shepherd’s lead. If we do not walk in His path of righteousness and holiness, then all these promises remain out of reach.

David’s statement, "He leads me in the path of righteousness," is a key to unlocking abundant life. Jesus reiterates this principle in Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus embodies the righteousness of God, and it is through following Him that we access all of God's blessings.

Malachi 4:2 paints a beautiful picture: "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." The call of the Holy Spirit today is clear—follow the path of righteousness!

Yet, too often, we act like someone at a market demanding a bonus without having purchased anything. In Yoruba culture, this would be like going to buy garri (cassava flour) and asking the vendor for a free bonus without making a purchase. Spiritually, this is what we do when we ignore Christ's leading but still expect His blessings. We abandon His path of righteousness and holiness but continue praying for His rewards.

So, how can we be led in the path of righteousness?

The Holy Spirit leads us through various means—inner promptings, the clear instructions in Scripture, the Ten Commandments, God’s laws and statutes, visions, trances, and sometimes even audible voices. It is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we find our way. Whether it’s during prayer, Bible reading, a sermon, or even when watching a Christian film or driving in your car, the Holy Spirit speaks to us. He may instruct you to avoid a particular person, take a certain job, apply for a visa, write a book, or go on a missionary trip. The key is to remain tuned to His frequency and obey His voice.

I had a recent experience that illustrates this. One evening, as I strolled through a park during Toronto’s beautiful summer weather, I was praying when I noticed a group—a few grandmothers, a young mother, and two small children. The Holy Spirit nudged me to share the gospel with them. I asked for the right words, and He gave them to me. I approached the young mother and complimented her children. "Your children are very smart," I said. She smiled and responded, "I know." I followed up with, "But they could be even smarter if you led them to Jesus Christ." This caught her attention, and after a brief conversation, she promised to follow my advice. The joy that filled my heart was immense!

Conclusion

Psalm 23 is a journey, not a standstill. The key action for you today is to let the Shepherd lead you in the path of righteousness. Live a holy life. Your blessings are not tied to how loud or long your prayers are; they are tied to your relationship with Christ and your commitment to righteousness. Remember Hebrews 12:14: "Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord."

My prayer for you today is that, as a sheep, you will follow the Shepherd and enjoy all the blessings He has prepared for you in Jesus name. Shalom.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at [email protected]