Definitely one of the most familiar passages in the Bible.  It is soothing right from verse one and is often read during funeral messages. So let’s dig a little deeper and discover where the comfort actually comes from and who it is for.

The Lord (Jehovah, the existing one)

is my shepherd (my provider, my protector, my guide, my ruler)

I shall not want. (lack or be devoid of anything)

What a claim!

Both for the shepherd, who is able to meet the needs of the sheep AND for the sheep who have profound confidence in their shepherd.

What does it take to make that kind of claim?

John 10 says that only the shepherd enters into the pasture through the gate.  The shepherd knows his sheep.  He calls them out by name.  He goes on ahead of them, leading them.  They follow him because they recognize his voice.  In this passage Jesus goes on to say that HE IS the Good Shepherd and it gives us great insight going back to what is said in Psalm 23 many years before.

David, the writer of this Psalm is familiar with shepherding.  He was a shepherd.  He did provide for, protect, and lead his sheep.  The sheep did know him, follow, and trust him.  He knew and cared for his sheep.  They were valuable to his family and therefore to him.

Let’s suppose David wrote this when he was a king.  He would have been a provider for his people, especially the men who fought for him, but think of the number or people that would directly be under his care and the rest of the kingdom that is dependent upon his provision, protection, and leadership.  In this case David would have experienced both shepherding sheep and people and would be speaking from the wealth of his personal experience.

I did some checking to find that some scholars believe that David wrote this Psalm during his shepherding years, but others argue this psalm was written well into his years as the King of Israel.  After he has experienced so much life.  The depth of his love and need for, and trust in his Shepherd is so evident.  After heartaches, and losses, and battles he can confidently say, the Lord IS MY Shepherd.

As I grow in age (and hopefully wisdom) I have to ask myself, what do I long for besides a provider, a protector, and a leader?  All of this is wrapped up in Jesus, our good shepherd.  (John 10) To listen, follow, and live in gratitude is the only way I know to respond to my Shepherd.  I pray that you can do some soul searching as you reflect upon this verse today.  If the Lord is your Shepherd, what else do you need?  How can you respond?