The Good shepherd

On this week’s BlogThursday, I want to reflect on the famous passage of scripture, Psalm 23. This piece of scripture is popular for good reason.

We know for certain that David was the author, which gives us an intimate understanding of how he was feeling in that season of his life. He was a shepherd boy who became the king of Israel.

This chapter is easy to recite, but when you take time to read and dissect what David is saying, it becomes deeply encouraging. Certain references are more meaningful when someone has experience in them. In this case, David was accustomed to herding sheep. He understood the sacrifices of a shepherd and recognized the power of experience. The three key messages in this scripture are:

Gratefulness and Peace

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

This section shows how the Lord ‘makes’ those who trust in Him lie down in green pastures—a place of ultimate beauty and tranquility. He offers true refreshment to our souls; without His shepherdly guidance, we would not find peace.

Ephesians 2:14 reminds us: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

To “lack nothing” doesn’t mean we won’t have goals, desires, or needs—we will. But the key word is lack. To lack means to be without or not have enough of something. God fulfills our desires and needs according to His riches and glory. We worship an abundant God!           

Hardship and Faith

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

David emphasizes that he is walking through difficulties—not that he has already overcome them. Even in hardship, something profound kept him comforted and on track. The rod and the staff:

● The staff was a long, slender stick, often hooked at the tip, used to guide the flock.

● The rod was a sturdy stick used to protect the sheep from wild animals.

This symbolizes the gentle guidance and firm protection of God. It reflects Jesus’ words: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). With such a shepherd, we need not fear the valley of the shadow of death.

Blessing and Prosperity

“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.”

David reflects on God’s blessings and prosperity even in the presence of enemies. These enemies can be sin, generational curses, life challenges, or any attack. God anoints our heads and fills our cups to overflowing. This reminds us to remember His blessings during hard seasons.

Dwight L. Moody, a noted evangelist, once shared a story about a woman who believed she was being followed. To comfort her, Moody said: “Those two men following you are David’s men. Their names are Goodness and Mercy.” He showed her Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.” She left with peace, comforted by God’s care.

Prayer

Dear God,

May our lives be dedicated and guided by Your will. Lead us to explore and rest in the green pastures You provide. May our hearts be led by Your peace and Your Word. Help us remember that You are our good Shepherd and that with You we are safe, chosen, and protected. Sanctify our hearts and let Your Word be the light to our path in both the high and low seasons of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen