The Lord is MY Shepherd

Recently, the 23rd Psalm has unfolded in a deep and rich way in my heart. Though the psalm is familiar many truths have come alive. Have you ever read a paasage over and over again, yet as you read it, new truths come alive? Here are a couple of things that have encouraged me from God's word.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still water. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflow. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd.

Psalm 23 is not a promise that life will be easy—it is a promise that we will never walk alone. David writes as someone who knows fear, danger, and uncertainty, yet he begins with confidence: the Lord is my shepherd. This is a personal relationship.

The word Lord is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God—faithful, personal, and unchanging. And still, this mighty God chooses the humble role of a shepherd.

The Creator stoops to care for the weak.

Because of who God is, David can say, “I shall not want.” This does not mean we will have everything we desire, but that under the Shepherd’s care, we will lack nothing we truly need. “Shepherd” is an active word. He provides, guides, protects, and restores. Jesus affirms this when He says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

The Shepherd leads us into green pastures—places of provision—and beside quiet waters—places of rest. Sheep cannot lie down unless fear, tension, and hunger are removed. In the same way, only God can quiet our anxious minds and give true rest to our souls.

“He restores my soul.” When sheep are cast down and unable to rise, they cry out for their shepherd. To be cast for a sheep means they have landed on their back and cannot turn over or stand. The sheep is "down cast." They are stuck until the Shepherd helps them up. How often do we feel the same—overwhelmed, discouraged, downcast or stuck? The Shepherd hears our cry and restores us, leading us in right paths for His name’s sake.

Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Shepherd does not leave us. The valley does not cancel God’s presence. His rod and staff guide, protect, and comfort us.

Fear fades when we remember who walks beside us.

The psalm ends with hope and assurance: “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” God’s goodness is not random—it pursues us. And because of the Shepherd, our future is secure.

Reflection

• Where do you need the Shepherd’s provision today?

• What fear do you need to place in His hands?

• How would your day change if you truly believed God’s goodness and mercy were pursuing you?

Prayer

Lord, You are my Shepherd. I trust You to provide what I need, restore my soul, and walk with me through every valley. Help me rest in Your care today and live without fear, knowing Your goodness and mercy follow me.

Amen.

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