This bible verse in Psalm 23: 1 – 6 appears to be one of the commonest and sweetest passages to memorize worldwide among believers of Christ Jesus. A careful and prayerful meditation on it reveals so much for the soul. Why did the psalmist start the chapter with the statement, the LORD is my shepherd: I shall not want. Who is the shepherd and what is his work?
The Lord as our Shepherd
David acknowledged with humility that he was inferior to God, or that he acknowledged God was superior to him. He meant God as his personal shepherd, and himself, as the sheep. David knew the characteristics of a sheep and the pride of a good shepherd. As a sheep, he was vulnerable to many creatures. He had no independent mind which could take him out of danger. Mindful of his weaknesses, he was wise to submit to a capable shepherd to provide for his needs.
David found the Lord as the most able provider. He knew the Lord created him and best knew his needs and weaknesses. David wrote in Psalms 24: 1, the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. It is also written in 1 Samuel 2: 3 the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. David knew that God took pride as man’s shepherd. Jesus said in John 10: 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Do we know our vulnerabilities and who is best able to be our shepherd?
Our shepherd provides comfort
David wrote in Psalm 23: 2-3a, he makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me besides still waters; he restores my soul. A sheep’s delight is in his source of feed, the green pastures. Green pastures meant provision of abundance whilst lying down signifies comfort, relaxation or rest. The shepherd further leads him besides still waters, meaning a place of peace for his soul.
The Lord, our shepherd always provides not only for our physical needs but importantly, for our souls. Paul wrote in Philippians 4: 19, my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. In Ephesians 3: 20 he is the one who is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we ask or imagine. David wrote in Psalm 23: 2-3b, he leads me in the right paths for his name sake. David was restored when he allowed God to lead him in righteousness.
Our right paths or righteousness must be of God and not of man or any other deity because from him comes all righteousness, Isaiah 5: 16. Who leads us in our lives? Are we led by the righteousness of Christ Jesus? David knew that the food for the soul was the righteousness of the Lord and so allowed God as his shepherd to lead him. How are we nourishing and refreshing our souls?
Our shepherd knows the valleys
David said in Psalm 23: 4, even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff — they comfort me. God knows our low points and possible failures ahead of time.
David meant that (a) his shepherd was and is the light of the world (John 8: 12; 9: 5). He radiates light in times of darkness so he had no fear of failure in God’s light; (b) that his shepherd was and is still capable of securing him anywhere so his safety was assured in the shepherd’s hands; and (c) that there was and still is a way out from the valley, our low points in life to Jesus’ knowledge and he being his shepherd will guide him out without perishing. Do we have the knowledge David had of God? Do we exercise faith in God based on the knowledge which David had? It is written in John 10: 27 my sheep hears my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Jesus wants us to listen to his instructions if we are to get out from the valley of darkness as David sought from him.
In times of trouble Jesus says in John 14: 1, do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. Jesus the good shepherd is the Lord of the hills and the valleys, 1 Kings 20: 28. Paul wrote in Romans 14: 9, for to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. David knew that his shepherd in Revelation 1:18 has the keys to Death and of Hades. There is no better shepherd but Christ Jesus. Join us to place our lives in his care for he cares.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, in our quest to find green pastures we have rather drifted into the valley of death. Please lead us out as our shepherd, we humbly pray. In our thirst for peace, give us your heavenly peace and not that of the world. In our vulnerabilities, be our provider against the odds of life. build our faith only on you as our redeemer and let us find solace in your grace. Mercifully hear us when we pray in your holy name, Amen!!
