Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd

Introduction

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most memorized passage in all of Scripture. But familiarity can dull us to its radical claims. Let us read it slowly, phrase by phrase, and let it speak freshly.

'The Lord Is My Shepherd' (v. 1a)

The relationship established in the very first phrase is everything. Not a distant deity, not a demanding master — a shepherd. The shepherd knows each sheep by name, goes ahead of the flock, and leaves the ninety-nine to find the one.

'I Shall Not Want' (v. 1b)

This is not a prosperity claim. It is a sufficiency claim: with this Shepherd, I will have what I need. Not always what I want, but what I need. That is a profound and freeing foundation.

'Still Waters and Green Pastures' (vv. 2–3)

The Shepherd leads — not drives. He brings to places of rest and refreshment. He restores the soul. Restoration implies something that needed restoring. God is in the business of restoration.

'The Valley of the Shadow' (v. 4)

The psalm does not promise the absence of dark valleys. It promises presence in them: You are with me. The rod and staff — tools of guidance and protection — are comforts in the darkness.

'Surely Goodness and Mercy' (v. 6)

The psalm ends not with escape but with pursuit: goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Followed — accompanied — by the gifts of a good Shepherd. And dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.