Psalm 23
This little psalm along with the Lord’s Prayer may be the most well-known passage in the Bible, and it is definitely the world’s favorite psalm, since it is the favorite of Jew, Eastern Orthodox, Western Protestant, and the wistful agnostic alike. It is expressed in language that really spoke of home to the country folk of that time. A long experience of trusting God lies behind these words. I am convinced that its message is timeless and that we will be blessed as we study it together.
David used the duel images of a humble shepherd and a gracious host. He reflects on the many benefits the Lord gave him even as he faced the dangers of life. His conclusion is that God’s persistent, loving protection is always with him.
Abel, the first Martyr, was a shepherd (Genesis 4:2) and so were the patriarchs of Israel. Moses spent 40 years caring for his father-in-law’s sheep, and David, Israel’s greatest king, served his father as a shepherd for many years before ever becoming king.
In Psalm 22, David compared his enemies to animals that are clever and strong (22:12-16, 21), but in this psalm, he pictured God’s people as lowly sheep. Why? So we could learn about the Shepherd and see how tenderly He cares for us. Sheep are defenseless animals that are prone to get lost, and they need almost constant care. You can’t drive sheep, as you do cattle; they must be led. The eastern shepherds know their sheep by name and can call them and they will come (John 10:1-5).
It is important that we understand what shepherds would do for sheep as we look into this psalm. A shepherd provided. They provided food and shelter and life’s basic needs. A shepherd protected. They defended against enemy and harm. A shepherd guided. The shepherd showed the flock the way to go. A shepherd corrected. Any problems that came the flock’s way the shepherd would correct.
God promises you and me the same things. But we have to trust him and let him be our shepherd. He wants to provide. He wants to protect. He wants to guide and correct. And if we would just let him do that our worries would simply vanish.
The prophet Isaiah, using the imagery of the shepherd, wrote: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
How many times in your life have you wanted to have someone who could come alongside you, understand you and love you and meet you right where you are and in the midst of your cares and worries and your hopes and joys to be there to guide you? David is telling us in this Psalm that the Lord wants to be that kind of friend to you and me!
Paul said in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” When we give in to the temptation of worry, we forget this simple truth that David had wrote for us and Paul reiterated.
As we journey through this Psalm, I am going to take a lighter approach with this Psalm. There is much to be mined from it, of course, but I hope that the simple reminders in these next few days will help set you back on some simple truths that we are so easily compelled, it seems, to forget.
PRAY
Father thank you that you care for us. Help me to trust you as my Shepherd!