Psalm 23 (Part 1) | All Our Needs
Due to some technical difficulties, we apologize in advance for the poor audio quality.
The Lord is My Shepherd: Finding Provision in God's Care
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in Scripture, and for good reason. This psalm captures the intimate relationship we can have with the Creator of the universe and describes how God cares for us through life's highs and lows.
As King David writes, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," he invites us into a profound truth: the God who created everything wants to personally care for us like a shepherd tends his sheep.
Who Is This Shepherd?
Before David was king of Israel, he was a shepherd. He spent his youth caring for his family's flock—feeding them, protecting them from predators, and guiding them through difficult terrain. When David declares "The Lord is my shepherd," he's making a staggering claim.
Notice he doesn't just say "God is my shepherd." He uses the divine name "LORD" (Yahweh in Hebrew)—the personal, covenant name of God. David is saying that the eternal, self-existent Creator who redeemed Israel with "a mighty hand and an outstretched arm" is his personal shepherd.
This is incredible news because the reality is that we're all shepherded by something. We all look to something or someone for stability, security, and daily sustenance:
Some of us trust in our decision-making abilities and financial planning
Others look to our jobs and workplace status
Many turn to technology, social media, or entertainment for comfort
But David reminds us that it's possible for the Lord God, who has eternally existed and is the source of every good thing, to be our shepherd.
What Does This Shepherd Provide?
David continues, "I shall not want" (or "I have what I need" in some translations). This is a declaration of God's complete provision for His people. It echoes what God has always done for those who follow Him.
In Deuteronomy 2:7, Moses reminded Israel: "These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing." The contrast is stark—those who make God their shepherd lack nothing, while those who forsake Him as shepherd lack everything.
This truth can hit us in different ways:
For some, it's deeply encouraging. You may be in a season where you feel God's goodness acutely, and these words affirm what your heart already knows.
For others, it's challenging. You look around and see many unmet desires—perhaps longing for rest as a new parent, stability in employment, relief from workplace stress, or a relationship leading to marriage and family.
If that's you, know that you're not alone. The pain of what isn't is real, and it's not wrong to grieve unfulfilled longings. But Psalm 23 reminds us that in the midst of pain and unmet expectations, God is indeed loving and caring for us. He gives us Himself, and everything He withholds from us is withheld in wisdom and love.
How Does the Shepherd Care for Us?
David paints a beautiful picture of God's care: "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."
Continuing the shepherding metaphor, David describes how God provides everything needed—food (green pastures), drink (still waters), and the result is soul restoration. The phrase "still waters" could be translated "waters of resting places," giving us a clearer picture of the peace God provides.
David is teaching us something important about experiencing God's provision. By recalling God's faithfulness throughout Scripture, David roots his personal story in God's greater story. His confidence in his shepherd is anchored not just in his personal experience but in God's demonstrated faithfulness to His people throughout history.
This is why we read, reread, study, and preach God's Word—because Scripture shows us the Shepherd and helps us experience a relationship with Him that is incomparable to any other.
Where Does the Shepherd Lead Us?
David continues: "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." The restoration of David’s soul is connected not only to God’s past faithfulness but also to God’s future guidance.
"Paths of righteousness" refers to the right path—the path God Himself walks and calls us to follow. Jesus used a similar metaphor in John 10:4: "The sheep follow him, for they know his voice."
Following the Shepherd’s voice leads to soul restoration. And notice that what leads to our flourishing also brings glory to God’s name. God pursues His fame through the amazing care of His people, not in spite of it.
This raises an important question: Do we know His voice? Do we follow His voice? Or have we viewed it as optional?
Since Adam and Eve first chose to distrust God’s word, we’ve all struggled with the same tendency. Due to our sin, we naturally distrust God’s guidance. Even when we like how it sounds, we often don’t like what it looks like to live it out.
For our hearts and in our culture, following God’s way doesn’t sound restful—it sounds burdensome or even wrong. "I’ll blaze my own path, thank you very much."
But here's the truth: There is no rest for our souls apart from the Shepherd and following His voice.
What Makes Jesus the Good Shepherd?
Every person is mastered by something—our desires, social approval, various addictions—and we all make sacrifices to whatever we think will give us life.
But here's what makes the Shepherd of Psalm 23 different: He calls us to follow Him and surrender our autonomy, but He does so having already sacrificed for us first.
As Jesus said in John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus is the only shepherd who calls us to sacrifice after having sacrificed Himself for us first.
The good Shepherd took our place as sheep and died to take away our guilt and shame, so we could enjoy His abundant care in this life and forever.
Life Application
Imagine a man who saved for years to afford a cruise ticket. Once aboard, his friends noticed he kept disappearing during mealtimes. They eventually found him eating crackers alone in his cabin. When asked why, he admitted he couldn’t afford the meals. His friends were amazed: “The meals come with the ticket!”
This story captures the message of Psalm 23. David wants us to understand all that comes with having the Shepherd—the abundant provision available to us in Christ. We don’t just have a seat at the table; we have a feast prepared for us and a cup that overflows with His goodness.
This week, consider these questions:
Who or what am I really looking to as my shepherd? Where do I turn for security, provision, and comfort?
Am I experiencing the full provision of God, or am I “eating crackers in my cabin” when a feast is available?
How can I better listen for and follow the Shepherd’s voice in my daily decisions?
In what areas of unmet desires do I need to trust the Shepherd’s wisdom and care?
The challenge is to recognize and embrace the Lord as your personal shepherd this week. Look for His provision in unexpected places, listen for His voice in Scripture, and trust His guidance even when the path seems difficult. Remember that the Good Shepherd has already given everything for you—the feast comes with the ticket.