Psalm 23

Life often feels overwhelming—with needs that go unmet, fears that weigh heavily, and uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring. Yet in the middle of all of that, God has given us a picture of Himself that brings comfort and peace: He is our Shepherd. As we turn to Psalm 23, we’ll be reminded that the Lord is not distant or detached, but near and attentive. He provides, He protects, and He is present with His people.

Takeaway: The Lord is my shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 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; Your rod and Your staff —they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
— Psalm 23:1-6 (HCSB)

“Throughout the Bible, God is acknowledged as the shepherd of his people, caring for them as a shepherd would his flock. Jesus is called the Good Shepherd and the Great Shepherd. If the Lord is our Shepherd, we will have all that we need, both now and forever.”
– Life Application Study Bible

The Lord is my shepherd
• Who provides 

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 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.
— Psalm 23:1-3 (HCSB)

“In contrast to goats, who are quite independent, sheep depend on the shepherd to find pasture and water for them. Shepherds also provide shelter, medication, and aid in birthing. In sum, they are virtually helpless without the shepherd.”
– IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:19 (HCSB)

The Lord is my shepherd
• Who provides
• Who protects

Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff —they comfort me.
– Psalm 23:4 (HCSB)

David said to Saul, “Don’t let anyone be discouraged by  him;  your servant will go  and fight this Philistine!” But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.” David answered Saul: “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth.  If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur,  strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” Then David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.”
— 1 Samuel 17:32-37 (HCSB)

Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff —they comfort me.
– Psalm 23:4 (HCSB)

“David was comforted by the Lord’s presence and protection. Believers are never in situations the Lord is not aware of, for He never leaves or forsakes His people (Hebrews 13:5).”
– Bible Knowledge Commentary

The Lord is my shepherd
• Who provides
• Who protects
• Who is present

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
— Psalm 23:5-6 (HCSB)

The image shifts from shepherd to friend. The identification of the Lord with a shepherd emphasizes his care and protection, but he is much more than that for a person who is in close fellowship with him. While protection from enemies is still implied, it is intensified with the image of a banquet (table) that is served while the enemies look on.
— Dr. K R Warstler, CSB Study Bible

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
— John 10:11 (HCSB)

The Lord is my shepherd
• Who provides
• Who protects
• Who is present

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