The LORD Is My Good Shepherd
This psalm has encouraged believers for thousands of years. It is a psalm of God’s grace and presence in every aspect of life.
The psalm begins with a great pronouncement, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” This is a declaration of faith that governs the whole rest of the psalm. The rest of the psalm can be divided into three parts: God’s Provision (2-3), God’s Protection (4-5), and God’s Presence (6). All three are because of the Lord relationship with the psalmist as his Shepherd. The psalmist is not lacking of God’s provision, protection, or presence in his life.
David begins by focuses on the work of God in his life in a general way. The Lord directs, leads, restores, and guides him throughout the journey of life for his own good and for God’s own glory (1-3).
He then addresses his Shepherd personally (4-5). In valleys of deep darken mess he will not be afraid because God is near. The Lord’s correcting and discipling tools give David comfort, for they are evidence of God’s love and care for him (4). Even in the midst of a great number of adversaries David is blessed and safe (5).
David declares that because of the Lord as his Shepherd, God’s goodness and love will chase after him all of his life. When the days of his life is complete, he will dwell with God forever. Brethren, Christ is our Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11), and in His love for us He has laid down His life for us, His sheep. We have His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5), and He will lead us home (Rev 7:17).