The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 is such a beautiful Psalm written by David. As a young boy he tended the flocks of his father Jesse. If there was one thing he knew about, it was taking care of sheep. David used that experience to put into words the type of relationship we can enjoy with Jesus as our Shepherd and we as the sheep of His pasture.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
What does a shepherd do for His sheep? He tends to their needs. He keeps them company while they are grazing in the fields. He protects them from danger. The shepherd was everything to the sheep. That's what Jesus my Shepherd is to me.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
The shepherd would seek out green pastures for his sheep to lie down in. He didn't want them to lie down in the dry desert place. He wanted to lead them beside quiet waters where they could find rest. That is where Jesus my Shepherd wants me to be.

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
To restore means to return, to lead back, to refresh. To show me the path that leads to life and freedom - not the bondage of this world. He is my guide in the path of righteousness through His Word and through His correction. That is where Jesus my Shepherd wants to lead me.

4 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.
The Lord doesn't send us through the dark places alone, He accompanies us every step of the way. Even if the road leads us through physical death, we don't do alone. Our Shepherd would never leave us unaccompanied. That is where Jesus my Shepherd will walk with me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When the enemies of the day surround us, the Shepherd anoints our head with oil, the protection of His sweet Holy Spirit. No enemy can touch us. We can feast at the Shepherds table as our enemies are kept at bay. That is how Jesus my Shepherd will protect me.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
One glorious day we will see our Great Shepherd face to face and we will dwell with Him forever and ever. But until that day I will savor His love and goodness - here and now. That is where I will spend eternity - with Jesus my Shepherd.

Who is Jesus to you?