Psalm 23 the Lord Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23
The Lord is My Shepherd

Context: David wrote nearly half of the Psalms, including this one. David is described as a man after God’s own heart. The message of Psalm 23 is that we should trust God to keep and protect us. David is certainly a great example of doing just that.

1 A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd,

“Shepherd” is obviously a figure of speech. What does it say about the Lord? What does it say about me?

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11)

The Lord is present to care for my needs

I shall not want.

I don’t need to fret about what is lacking because the shepherd is the one charged with providing. I am not.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

Slow down enough to appreciate where He has led

3 He restores my soul;

In this fast-paced culture, our souls need restoring

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

How does He give me guidance?

When I don’t know the right way, He points it out

When I don’t choose the right way, He prods me

This series of statements says something to the frantic pace of our culture: If you are seeking righteousness, first spend time with the shepherd!

For His name’s sake.

I should choose to follow the right way in order to glorify His name

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

Is there a distinction between “shadow of death” and death itself? If so, what is it?

I fear no evil,

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)

No evil is stronger than my shepherd!

for You are with me;

Here the psalm becomes intensely personal –it changes from describing “He” to personally addressing “You”

God is still present with us when we walk through the valley

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

What does this mean, preparing “a table before me”?

in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

Observe the shepherd’s personal touch here

My cup overflows.

How does my cup overflow?

6 Surely

goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies (Psalm 25:10)

With a shepherd like my shepherd, how can I not expect goodness and lovingkindness?

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Imagine, living in the very presence of the Lord!

Forever – there is no time limit on my dwelling in His house!