PSALM 23 – THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

This is probably the most beloved of all the Psalms, and likely one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture.  Even folks who are not very familiar with the Bible are often familiar with the saying, “The Lord is my Shepherd…”

Today I want to take a walk with you through this short Psalm, made up of six powerful verses.  Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, and that we are His sheep.  Have you ever wondered why He compared us to sheep, and not some other animal?  And what is the meaning of His being a Shepherd?  Let’s start with a list of characteristics of sheep, in general: 

·       Of all livestock, they need the most care; they are totally dependent upon the shepherd for their every need.

·       They are vulnerable to predators because they have no weapons – no claws, no poisons, no disguises, etc.  All they can do is run.

·       They are meant to be in a herd, not alone, as this is their only defense. Yet, they will wander if they don’t have a shepherd.  Also, they are easily led by a “leader sheep” that can lead them down the wrong path.

·       Their nature: Timid, fearful, easily panicked, dumb, gullible, stubborn, jealous, competitive for dominance. They are also creatures of habit, and they often get into ruts.

·       They are prone to get stuck in brambles, often due to a heavy coat.  Yet, they don’t like to be sheared and cleaned.  Too much wool can cause sheep to “cast” or fall over.  It is difficult, if not impossible, for them to right themselves, so they become even easier prey for predators.

·       Unlike some animals, they cannot go for days without refreshment.  They constantly need fresh water and fresh pasture.  Yet, they have poor discernment in choosing good food and water.  They need a shepherd!

·       Because they are lazy, they frequently look for the easiest place to lie down and rest.  Often, though seemingly nice and quiet, this is not the safest place for them.

·       A positive!  They are capable of knowing their own shepherd’s voice.

Suddenly, I feel very “sheepish…”  That’s right, and, if you do, as well, it’s because we are so much like sheep.  Against the enemy of our souls, we are defenseless.  That is, without our Shepherd.   Against our own stubborn ways, we are bound to sin.  That is, without our Shepherd.  However, with our wonderful Shepherd, Who knows exactly how to care for His sheep, we are completely safe.  It is up to us to trust Him.  And we can.  So, now let’s take a look at the Shepherd, Who He is, and what He provides.

Verse 1:  The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

·       Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd because a shepherd gives his life for his sheep.  He is on duty 24 hours a day.  He takes care of utterly every need.  His commitment is like none other.

·       The LORD is my shepherd.  And the Lord is perfect in all His ways.  The Lord lacks nothing, so I lack nothing.  The Lord is the Creator of all things.  The Lord knows all things.  This is Who my Shepherd is.  I do not have a second-hand shepherd.

·       I lack nothing that I NEED (not necessarily want).

Verse 2:  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

·       He makes – that means “He makes it so that I am able to…”

·       I will only lie down because I feel safe (sheep are skiddish).

·       He is meeting my needs with lush green, sweet smelling, soft, safe places to rest – regardless of what is around me.  He is on watch.  Always.

·       Sheep are afraid of running water; my Shepherd leads me to still waters.  Again, He meets my every need.  He does not chastise me for being a sheep.  Rather, He says, “Trust me to provide.”

Verse 3:  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake.

·       Daily He gives me new life, restoration, strength.  My needs are met.

·       My Shepherd guides me on the right road/path.  I never need to question if I’m where I need to be if my eyes are fixed on my Shepherd.  There is no gray area.

·       For HIS namesake – HIS word/promise.  He is a promise keeper.

Verse 4:  Yea, 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.

·       Sheep coming back at dusk – shadows – predators.  In my own life, as I go through trials and tough times, in the midst of them, surrounded by them, I am safe.  My Shepherd sees to it.  I can keep going on the path He lays out for me.

·       Rod – With this, the shepherd beats off predators.  For me, my Shepherd fights for me, once again, against the enemy of my soul.  The battle is His.

·       Staff – With this, the shepherd gently guides, or corrects the sheep when they stray off the path.  The hook is also used to pull them up out of the ditches, etc.  For me, my Shepherd gently corrects me of my own sins.  He pulls me up out of the messes I get myself into when I cry out to Him.

Verse 5:  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

·       Even though sheep may be surrounded by wolves and other predators, the shepherd provides a bountiful feast for them with fresh pasture, etc.  In my life, regardless of what I am going through, regardless of what is going on around me, my Shepherd provides a banquet of joy and peace that surpasses all understanding right in the midst of the mess!  Right in the midst of the storm!  Right in the midst of enemies – whether they be people or demons.  I can be completely calm right in the midst of it all and feast upon the goodness of my Shepherd.  I do not have to wait until the storm passes.

·       If a sheep had a cut on its head, the shepherd would put some soothing oil on it in the evening, as the sheep went into the herding pen.  How my Shepherd soothes me when I am hurting.  He also anoints me, as was done in the Old Testament, for a special purpose – the purpose He has for my life.  And it is different than that of any other person.  The same can be said of you.

·       My Shepherd is constantly giving me more than I need!  More than I ask for!  More blessings than my heart can contain!  It all spills over and out, and, prayerfully, onto others.  My Shepherd is so good to me.

Verse 6:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

·       I can be confident that God will PURSUE me, with His mercies new every day.  Psalm 136 says His mercies endure forever.  Everywhere I go, I find His goodness and His mercy – kindness, forgiveness for my sins, an ever present help in time of need, and so much more.

·       I am not just an overnight guest in God’s house.  Here on earth, His Spirit lives within me, and when I go to Heaven, I will live there forever with Him.

I pray that this blog helps you better understand that, with our Great Shepherd, we are completely safe.  We simply have to acknowledge that we need Him.  Without Him, we are defenseless and lost.

I need a Shepherd.  I want a Shepherd.  I have a Shepherd – the best one of all.  Recognizing all of this is such freedom.  Placing my trust in Him to guide me and take care of my every need has been a life changer.  And when I get off the path, His gentle staff gets me right back on track.  His gentle Hand, His anointing oil, His banquet – it is all there for us.

Come and see that the Shepherd surely is Good!