Many of David’s psalms are full of requests, complaints, or pleas to God, but this psalm is full of comfort and expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and David’s dependence on Him. Psalm 23 is perhaps the most popular psalm; in fact, it might very well be the most beloved chapter in the whole Bible. It’s as common as a nursery rhyme, and many people can quote at least parts of it. However, there is danger in memorizing such a familiar text; we begin to believe that we fully grasp its meaning. Psalm 23 is profound, and its truths can be applied to everyday life. Countless scholars have written entire books on this psalm, so it’s both humbling and challenging to summarize its contents into a single chapter. My hope is that you will gain a greater appreciation of how much God truly loves you and of the tireless efforts of our Savior to care for you, His sheep, just as He did David.
David begins the Psalm by acknowledging "The Lord is My Shepherd".
The Lord is my Shepherd
David was both shepherd and king, yet he begins the psalm by acknowledging that, in view of a majestic Lord, he is just a sheep totally dependent upon his Shepherd. He viewed himself as one of the flock. I believe David is speaking here with both humility and pride—the humility of acknowledging his submission to the Shepherd to guide, lead, and direct him, but also the pride of knowing who his Shepherd is! His Shepherd was the Lord Jehovah, the Lord God of Israel. The statement was confirmed by Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). Jesus also stated, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). David sought to follow the Lord God.
David considered himself only a sheep and desired to follow the Lord God. David knew firsthand that the life of any sheep depended on the type of master who owned it. Some masters were gentle and kind, smart and brave, and selfless in their devotion to their flock. Under another man, sheep would starve and suffer endless hardship. David knew he had the former type of master; and he rejoiced in it.
Are you thrilled to belong to Jesus, to be your Good Shepherd?
Do you submit to His sovereign authority over you each and every day?