The Lord is My Shepherd
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is familiar to many. It’s often recited in movies or television shows, particularly as someone faces imminent death. The words are intended to bring comfort to those in danger or distress, but what if they become a daily prayer? Each verse is a refreshing reminder of God’s provision and protection, and we need them as much in safety as we do in peril.
The first half of the Psalm tells us God is our shepherd. A shepherd gently leads, cares for, protects, and meets every need of his sheep. As sheep under His faithful watch, we lack nothing. He’s got it all covered. We can breathe easy knowing He is there (v.1).
As our shepherd, God also encourages us to rest. Most of us aren’t very good at seeking rest on our own, which is maybe why verse two says “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Sometimes we need to be told to rest, to accept our limits, and to relinquish control. We will never regret the rest, no matter how hard we fought to avoid it at first because it’s there in that green pasture that we find peace and refreshment for our soul (v.2).
Our good and faithful Shepherd guides us along safe and correct paths, steering us clear of temptation and danger. We need not fear what’s lurking in the shadows or coming up around the bend. The rod and staff of our Shepherd will ward off any attacks or correct us when our own heart is the enemy (v.3-4).
The second half of the Psalm speaks to the confidence we have in Christ. Imagine sitting across the table from our worst enemies and fearing nothing. What could give us that kind of peace and assurance? We have been anointed as children of God, sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With God on our side, what do we have to be afraid of? He will fight for us (v.5).
The concluding verse is my favorite. God’s goodness and love are part of us. We can’t shake them off like an old coat or outrun them when we chase after sinful desires. They follow us like shadows on a sunny day. This goodness and love serve as a promise. Our salvation in Christ is guaranteed, and our final destination is secure. We will dwell in his house forever (v.6).
Couldn’t you use these reminders every day? I know I could.
Study & Reflection: Read through Psalm 23 three times on your own, from beginning to end. The first time, read slowly and methodically, letting the words wash over you. The second time, take a pen or highlighter and underline any words or phrases that resonate with you. You could also write them out in the margins of your Bible or on a separate paper. The third time, ask God to show you what He wants you to learn, remember and apply to your life today.
Consider typing out the words of Psalm 23 and posting them somewhere you’ll see them each morning (maybe your bathroom mirror or the front of your coffee maker). Pray through the words each morning live in the reminders of your Shepherd’s love, guidance, provision and protection.
Prayer: Father, our good Shepherd, help us to rest in the assurance that You will meet all our needs. Set our hearts at ease as we trust in Your faithful protection. Replace our fear with faith. Remind us of your constanct presence even when the road feels dark. Give us hearts that welcome your correction and discipline when we need it. Tilt our chins up and speak your love and goodness over us so that we can stare down our enemies with confidence. Thank you for preparing a place for us that we may dwell with You forever. Amen.