The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” Psalm 23.

The twenty-third Psalm used to confuse me. At a young age, I thought the Psalmist didn’t really want the LORD to be his shepherd because he said of Him: “I shall not want.” It didn’t occur to me that what he meant was that because the LORD was his shepherd, he would not be in want (or need). I clearly see that he indeed did want Yahweh to be his shepherd, and I do as well.

Few passages can quiet our soul as much as the twenty-third Psalm. The promises of green pastures, still waters, paths of righteousness, soul restoration, safety from enemies, Spirit anointing, abundance, goodness and mercy, and eternal dwellings, reassure and calm us.

These rich, reassuring words must have been on Jesus’ mind when He promised: "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep … I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep" John 10:11, 14-15.

We have a Father, and His Son, who have shepherd hearts. Rather than beat or prod as a hired hand might do to sheep under their care, they tenderly guide, correct, and nourish us.

A dearly loved hymn reflects the word of both Psalm 23 and John 10: “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.”

Tender compassion is generally in short supply these days. Impatience, anger, lack of forgiveness, prejudice … need I continue? … all characterize behavior today. Indeed; “much we need Your tender care”!

Reciting Psalm 23 from memory is often a part of my morning devotional time. I picture the green pastures, still waters, and peaceful paths. In so doing, a sense of peace and calm washes over me as I bask in these shepherd’s love and care.

Might I suggest a reassuring look and meditation of both Psalm 23 and Jesus’ shepherd words in John 10 today? The peace and calm you will receive will be spiritually, mentally, and physically refreshing.

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