The Lord Is My Shepherd

David was a man of many callings: a shepherd, a warrior, and a king. None of these roles were of his own choosing; each was entrusted to him. Yet above all, and through it all, he was a poet. Inspired by God, David composed a remarkable collection of poetic prayers and songs, with over seventy psalms in Scripture attributed to him. They offer deep insight into his life and his transforming relationship with God, revealing his joys and fears, hopes and discouragements. Whether written in moments of triumph or in seasons of sorrow, David's psalms always rise into trust, praise, and adoration.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:1-4

Psalm 23 has brought comfort to countless believers across generations. It is a deeply personal reflection of David's confidence in God, likely written in his later years.

There is a fullness of experience about it, and a tone of subdued, quiet confidence which speaks of a heart mellowed by years, and of a faith made sober by many trials. - Maclaren's Expositions

As the youngest son in a large family, David spent his youth tending his father's sheep in the fields of Bethlehem. There was nothing glamorous about his life—long days outdoors, often in solitude. Yet it is often away from the noise of the world that God's voice is heard most clearly. In those formative years, David grew close to God. While he was tending his father's sheep, the Good Shepherd was tending His.

Alone, yet in God's presence, David learned contentment in God alone. He endured the heat of the day, with little shade except what he could find among rocky outcrops or the sparse trees of Judea. The scorching sun was a daily reality. Yet just as he led his sheep to small green valleys and quiet little streams, God provided rest and refreshment for his soul. Each morning, while David searched for safe grazing land, God would lead his heart along straight, righteous, and peaceful paths (Proverbs 3:6), revealing His mercy, faithfulness, and goodness.

David's confidence in God did not depend on outward circumstances. He trusted the One who is steadfast, unchanging, and always faithful. The God of green pastures is the same God in the valley. His presence is sufficient; His guidance and protection are comforting.

For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley. The God of the good times is still God in the bad times. The God of the day is still God in the night. — 'God on the mountain,' Lynda Randle

The second half of the psalm portrays God no longer as a Shepherd but as a generous Host who provides both sufficiently and abundantly. God remains David's friend, even when enemies rise against him. God anoints, affirms, and exalts. The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David (1 Samuel 16:13), and His anointing was evident to all (1 Samuel 16:18).

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 23:5-6

David now reflects on different circumstances. He is no longer alone in the fields but surrounded by enemies. Yet even here, God's presence provides shelter and brings comfort. When outwardly blessed with abundance, it is God's love and goodness that David treasures most. His desire is for fellowship with God—to dwell forever in His house, to remain forever in His presence, forever in His favour, forever at His table.

The Lord is our shepherd; we shall not want.

In green pastures and by still waters He restores our souls.

In seasons of sorrow, He leads, guides, and protects; therefore we will not fear.

He anoints, He provides, and He exalts as we dwell in His presence.

May we rest in His unfailing love forever.