My Shepherd

Today’s Text: Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Walk up to nearly anyone on the street, and they know of Psalm 23. 

If not immediately, just start quoting the first verse, and they will finish it.

At many funerals, you will hear these words read. I’ve read it at the bedside of one that passed with their grieving family members. 

It’s a cherished psalm. 

What’s ironic is that even with its popularity, many fail to see its meaning. What they seek in life is answered in these verses, yet they are blind to it. Even as believers, what we long for is illustrated in these verses, yet we often forget. 

• How can we find rest in a busy life?
• How can I recover from sinful choices
• How do I know what to do?
• Does God care?
• How do I get through this trial?

All of these questions and more are answered for us in this Psalm. Over the next few weeks, we will mine some of these nuggets from the passage in our Monday Meditations. 

Joseph Parker announced his text many years ago and began reading Psalm 23 before his congregation. 

“The…Lord…is…my…Shepherd.”

There was an unplanned pause between each word followed by a long pause and tears. The first five words had overwhelmed his heart with hope and joy.

 He closed his Bible and said, “that is enough.”

Reflection Question

With Jesus as my shepherd, what can I expect?

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