What Does Psalm 23:1 Mean?

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1(NASB)

Verse of the Day

It was by divine design that this Psalm so beautifully describes the Lord God as our great and caring Shepherd, for although it is often used as a great comfort at a time of death or bereavement, it is equally a Psalm that points to the Lord Jesus Christ as our sustenance and support in every season of our lives. For the Lord is our Provider and Peace; our Strength and Stay; our Righteousness and our Reward; our Sanctuary and our Shepherd.

It was by divine design that David personalised this Psalm to read: "The Lord is MY Shepherd." He is indeed your Shepherd, my Shepherd, and He is the Shepherd of all that love and trust Jesus as Saviour, for we are the sheep of His pasture and none can pluck us out of His hands. But we can rightly say the Lord is MY Shepherd, for He is with each of us every step of the way, to lead and to comfort, to guard and to guide. He is with us in the good times and throughout those difficult days, and He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, but to be our constant Companion and our ever-present Comforter.

Looking at the relationship of a human shepherd and his flock is a wonderful reminder of our relationship with Jesus. The sheep recognise the voice of their shepherd, follow him, trust him, and depend on him for food and protection. The relationship between a shepherd and his flock is very close, both on an individual level and for the flock in general. Shepherds put themselves in dangerous situations to protect and care for their flock. What a beautiful picture of our precious Shepherd and we as His sheep.

It was by divine design that the Lord Jesus is so beautifully represented as a tender shepherd; the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for His sheep; the Great Shepherd Who loves His own with a deep compassion; the Chief Shepherd that rescues His scattered straying sheep and gives them life, eternal life, abundant life. Truly we can say in confidence:

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength and guides me along right paths, which brings honour to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I need never be afraid, for Jesus is close beside me. His rod and staff protect and comfort me. He prepares a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. He honours me by anointing my head with oil and my cup overflows with multiplied blessings. Surely His grace and goodness and unfailing love and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of my LORD forever."

My Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that You are my Shepherd. You are all that I need, and I love You. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Choose a Verse from Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1 Further Study

Never miss a post