“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me…”

Psalm 23:1-4

David knew what it meant to be a shepherd. It was is life.

It was a humble and dirty job, reserved for the youngest son of the family. The shepherd was always on duty; all day and all night. Pools of calm water could be difficult to find, predators and thieves were abundant, and the shepherd needed to plant or find sufficient food throughout the year. David’s family paid a significant price for their sheep so he took great care in protecting and providing for each one.

He had the heart of a shepherd so he fully understood that he needed a shepherd of his own. He didn’t write Psalm 23 from a place of arrogance or self-sufficiency. He wrote in humble recognition of his need for God’s provision, protection, guidance, and presence . . . essential truths about God as our Shepherd. 

In verse one, David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” Though our wish lists are often endless, we can always trust God to provide for our needs.  

“he leads me beside quiet waters…he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Just as David guided his sheep to pools of still waters and along good paths, Jehovah Raah shows us where to walk and when to move (Acts 17:26). We just have to follow his voice. 

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (vs. 5) This isn’t referring to a dinner table, but a tableland - the flat top of a mountain or rocky hill, covered with grass. It’s the perfect place for sheep to graze. But first, the shepherd must prepare the land by removing dangerous stones and poisonous weeds, then keep watch for predators so his sheep can dine in safety. It's a beautiful picture of God’s protection over us!

Finally, David refers to the comforting presence of a shepherd. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (vs. 4) Just as every good shepherd is a constant companion to his sheep, never leaving them to fend for themselves, the Lord our Shepherd is always with us.

When parenting our adult children leaves us at our wits end, not knowing where to turn, Psalm 23 reminds us that our children are the sheep of God’s pasture. He is their good Shepherd who goes in search of them when they’re lost, and pursues them with goodness and faithful love all the days of their lives.  

Making it Personal

  • Which truth about the Lord as my Shepherd brings me the most comfort? 
  • In what ways do I hope that the Lord is shepherding my kids?  
  • If I said a prayer of thanksgiving to my good Shepherd, what would it include?
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