The LORD is my Shepherd

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

⁴ 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.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ 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 (KJV)

Along with John 3:16, Psalm 23 is likely the most familiar and quoted passage in all of the Scripture. It is often read for comfort at funerals, and yet it has brought encouragement and peace to many struggling believers down through the ages.

As we read and ponder these beautiful words, our minds are carried to a state of peace and rest. In Christ our Lord, we have a source of comfort and assurance during the most troubling times.

The Satisfaction in the Shepherd

David also knew that good and worthy shepherds provided for their sheep. They tended to their every need, ensuring all their needs were provided for.

David had come to know the Great Shepherd and he declares, “in His presence, he lacked or wanted nothing else.” If you have truly met The Lord Jesus Christ, you would not desire for anything better because HE is the best, HE is the greatest and in fact HE is The Almighty.

The Security with the Shepherd

Sheep need to be closely watched. They tend to stray and wander off and get lost and need the constant guidance of a shepherd. They are vulnerable to being attacked and lacked the ability to secure the needed provision and security on their own.

David knew the Lord was able to lead him into the green pastures of peace and provision. He knew where the refreshing still waters were and would lead His sheep there.

The Sanctification through the Shepherd

The Shepherd was always willing to welcome him back into the flock by grace, restoring his soul and continuing to offer abundant grace and provision. David knew the Lord always wanted the best for His people. Like a loving Shepherd, He led them in the paths of righteousness, showing them the right path to be on. David rejoiced for those times when the Lord called out unto him when he had strayed, lovingly restoring him and leading him in the right way.

We are prone to wander and stray but He lovingly chastises us, restoring our fellowship, and continues to lead us in the right path. The Great Shepherd takes no pleasure in His sheep being astray.

The Sovereignty of the Shepherd

He had learned to trust in the Lord without fear. Regardless of what he faced, he knew the Lord was always near, guiding and protecting Him. He was safe within the sovereign hand of God. What is there to fear when the Lord is with you?

We all face discouraging and even frightening situations in life. Like David, regardless of what we face, the believer enjoys the presence of the Lord.

David speaks of the Shepherd’s rod and staff comforting him in times of distress. A good shepherd always had both and was very familiar with their proper use in different situations.  We enjoy the protection and guidance of our Shepherd. He continually stands in our defense, and is constantly observing the path we travel, providing gentle correction when necessary.

The Sufficiency of the Shepherd

David declares the Shepherd has the ability to spread a well-supplied table for his sheep to enjoy, even in the presence of enemies, While the world was raging around them, the Lord could provide peace and provision in the midst of turmoil.

He also rejoiced in his head being anointed with oil. This seems not a language to us, but in those culture, it was viewed as a sign of honor and acceptance thereby translating into, he is worthy because he was ordained by God.

While walking this journey of life, the Shepherd guided each step, and provided for his every need. As David pondered the sufficiency of his Shepherd, he declared that his cup was literally running over with provision and blessing. David couldn’t think of a single need he had that hadn’t been supplied. He was so blessed and fulfilled.

The Salvation through the Shepherd

The Shepherd had been faithful. He rested in the salvation of the Lord. David rejoiced in present grace. He rested in the eternal promises of the Shepherd. He knew life on earth was not all for the children of God. He anticipated a future glory, dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. His eternity was secure in the Lord.

There is great comfort and assurance for every believer in these words. Those who are saved by grace will dwell in the presence of our Shepherd and Savior forever. He purchased our redemption on the cross of Calvary, removing the condemnation of sin and restoring us unto the Father. Rising triumphant over death in resurrection life, He secured eternal life for all who come to Him by faith in salvation.

If you are struggling away from the fold of fellowship, the Shepherd is calling for you to return to a place of security and provision. If you have never been saved by His grace, the Shepherd of men’s souls is calling for you to respond in repentance and faith. Come to Him and receive the gracious provision that He alone can provide!