The 23rd psalm is one of the most encouraging and comforting passages in the Bible. It is probably the most memorized passage in the Word of God. It has been a source of strength and comfort for some 3,000 years. J. Wilbur Chapman said, “It is as new and fresh today as if it had come to us this morning.”
The psalm begins, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” He provides all that we need in this present life and in the life to come. Nothing gives you assurance and sets you free from fear any more than knowing the Good Shepherd is constantly caring for you and is working on your behalf.
As we read this psalm our minds can’t help but focus on Jesus Christ, who boldly said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). He is the revelation of the shepherd heart of God and now as resurrected, reigning Lord, He is with us as the “Great Shepherd of the sheep.”
Let’s look closely at verses two and three. In these verses we see the greatness of the Good Shepherd and that He provides, restores and guides.
He provides for us (v. 2)
The shepherd provides what his sheep need every day. Green pastures and quiet waters are necessities. Also they need guidance and protection. The sheep are totally dependent on someone to care for them.
Unlike many animals, sheep can’t make it on their own. They can’t fight with their hoofs or teeth. They can’t run very easily, or dig holes, or climb trees to escape their predators. They need someone to care for them, just as we do.
David saw that his relationship with his flock was like the Lord’s relationship with him. The presence of the shepherd gives the sheep confidence. Likewise the presence of the Lord with us gives security and confidence.
Consider all the wonderful things the Lord has provided for us — eternal salvation (John 3:16), peace that guards our heart through the storms of life (John 14:27; Phil. 4:7) and ultimately an eternal home in heaven (John 14:3).
The Lord also gives us strength so we can follow Him and serve Him. He provides answers to the problems we face. But we must look to Him, trust Him and rest on His promises. The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). William Evans observed, “It is generally recognized as being a very difficult thing to get God’s people to seek seasons of quiet and periods of retirement for communion with God and quiet soul nurture.”
He restores us (v. 3a)
In verse three the psalmist writes, “He restores my soul.” That is, the Lord will pick us up and keep us going.
Often a sheep would roll over into a hollow in the ground. He is unable to get up. He is called a “downcast sheep.” Downcast is being in a condition in which you can’t roll back onto your feet. So the shepherd will gently take the sheep and lift it up. That is what the Lord does for us when we are downcast.
As David wrote this magnificent psalm he could look back and remember all the times he had been on his back, unable to move because he was paralyzed by the failure of his life. Each time the Lord restored him. The Lord wants to get us on our feet, get us going again and keep us going.
Have you ever been downcast? I mean really discouraged. Most likely you have. Discouragement affects everyone. There are many valleys in life — sickness, failure, loneliness, financial setbacks, marital problems. We all go through a valley at some time in life.
I have met many downcast people during my years of pastoring. Many of them needed to hear a word from the Lord. So when I read Psalm 23 they begin to realize God is present to lift them up.
As I write these words I am reminded of the various valleys I have been through. In just a few weeks I will complete 50 years of preaching and pastoring three Southern Baptist churches. This has been a joyful journey that God has blessed tremendously. Yet there have been times of discouragement and valleys to walk through. But I can say with confidence and praise to God, the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has been with me and guided me through these valleys. And He will do the same for everyone who will trust Him and follow Him obediently.
The Good Shepherd restores that which was lost. Perhaps you have lost the joy of your salvation, the excitement of serving the Lord. The Lord can restore joy to your life.
When David fell into sin he cried out to God in repentance. He asked God to forgive him, to wash him from his sin (Psalm 51:1–3). He asked God to make him hear joy and gladness. In Psalm 32 we read that the Lord forgave David and blessed him. He restores joy to everyone who returns to Him and confesses their sin.
When walking through a valley remember that God is all-sufficient (vv. 1–3), He is ever-present (v. 4) and He can satisfy completely (vv. 5–6).
He guides us (v. 3b)
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” The shepherd would lead his sheep to the right place by the right route. He knew where the green pastures were located and how to get there. He would go before the flock, check out the pathway, locate the best places and lead them to safety.
The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, will lead us in the right path. We can depend on the Lord to guide us in the right way. Our task is to surrender every decision to Him. Listen to the Word of God: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6). “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Ps. 37:23). “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Ps. 32:8). “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go” (Isa. 48:17).
These promises are for those who can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd? If not, call upon Him today. He is ready and willing to forgive your sin and give you peace.
Herb Thomas serves as pastor of Circlewood Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. He is a graduate of Walker College in Jasper and Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia. He and his wife, Virginia, have been married 56 years and have two children and six grandchildren.
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