The LORD is my Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Reading: Psalm 23:1-4
Psalm 23 can evoke in our minds a peaceful picture of a shepherd and his sheep enjoying their time in green meadows beside a creek with bubbling fresh water. In the ancient Near East, however, the life of a shepherd and his sheep was not all that idyllic. Green pastures were hard to find and springs or creeks with fresh water were few and far between. This meant that a shepherd had to lead his flock from place to place, sometimes going through ravines and gorges, in order to find food and water for his sheep. Along the way there could be various kinds of dangers, including wild animals such as foxes, jackals and even lions.
David had been a shepherd himself. He had fought wild animals to protect his flock. He once told King Saul: “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth” (1 Sam 17:34-35). David now applies this experience to his life as a covenant child of God. “The LORD is my shepherd,” he says. He completely trusts the wisdom and foresight of his divine Shepherd to provide food 
and drink. He trusts that the LORD will protect him against various kinds of enemies. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v. 4).
David wrote Psalm 23 not just for himself but also for God’s people. We too may have to go through dark valleys. It may be some kind of physical or mental distress. It may be some kind of spiritual attack. There is all kinds of evil in this world. But if we follow the Good Shepherd, we will be safe because his rod and staff will protect and comfort us (v. 4).
Our shepherd is the son of David, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who has laid down his life for the sheep (John 10:11) and who promised that no one would snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). Let’s listen to his voice and follow Him, trusting that He will lead us home.