As I have just said, our confidence for the future depends on our present relationship to God; and, accordingly, the Psalm opens with the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The holy relationship between the Shepherd and the flock is described as being already established, and by both parties recognized, and all that follows is the result of that relationship. We have not time to study the whole Psalm; but look at the three results taught us in verse 5. I. ALL WANTS ARE SUPPLIED. Even if there are enemies, they cannot interfere with the full and sure supply which God has provided for His servant. When he reaches the end of his journey, he will find that the Lord has prepared a place for his rest; and now that he is in the midst of it, he may rejoice in that the same most blessed Saviour has prepared a table for his daily supply. This refers, doubtless, to our daily wants, and it describes His fulfilment of our supplication in the Lord’s Prayer. We pray day by day, “Give us this day our daily bread;” and when we really enter into the spirit of this Psalm, we as much as say that the prayer is answered, the bread provided, and the table spread. And may we not apply it still more to the bread of life? Is it not our sacred privilege, when the soul is hungered, to feed even on Him; when the soul is athirst, to drink of the pure river of the water of life? And are there not many amongst us who know, by their own experience, the truth of the promise, “They shall be abundantly satisfied?” {92} II. THE SPIRIT IS REFRESHED. This is taught in the words, “Thou anointest my head with oil.” The words refer to the custom of anointing the weary man with ointment or oil. It was poured sometimes on the feet and sometimes on the head. The object in both cases was the same, namely, refreshment; and surely we must thankfully acknowledge that our Heavenly Father does not merely give us the bare necessities of existence, but softens, refreshes, and cheers the spirit. He prepares not the table only, but the joy. “He giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” {93a} III. THE CUP OVERFLOWS.