Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (1)
Introduction
Psalm 23 is a comfort during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some of the comments were taken from a devotional titled “The Lord is my Shepherd–I shall not want!” from the website Grace Gems.
The Lord is my shepherd (1)
The Lord is my shepherd;
David begins his Psalm saying ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. This statement actually shook the readers of biblical times because the temptation in ancient Israel was to speak only about “our” God, (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: (Deuteronomy 6:4)
forgetting that the God of Israel is also the God of individuals. This is another reason why Jesus told them the parable about “The Lost Sheep” (Luke 15:3-7).
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:3-7)
The Lord is my provider (1)
I shall not want.
The Lord is my Shepherd–I shall not want!
(“Every Day!” 1872)
“The Lord is my Shepherd–I shall not want!” Psalm 23:1
“I shall not want!” Surely not! He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep; and if He has loved me, and given Himself for me–then what will He withhold?
Oh that I knew Him better, and trusted Him as He deserves! Then I would be kept quiet from fear of evil, and be ever assured that He will supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory.
The Lord is my sustainer (2)
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
Do I need rest and refreshment? “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside the still waters.” Am I wounded? He binds up my wounds, and heals me.
The Lord is my leader (2)
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Do I need guidance? The Good Shepherd goes before His sheep–He instructs and teaches us in the way we should go.
The Lord is my restorer of my soul (3)
3 He restoreth my soul:
Do I wander–and need to be reclaimed? He seeks and finds His straying ones, “He restores my soul, and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
The Lord is my righteousness (3)
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
The Lord is my constant companion (4)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Do I need encouragement? “His rod and His staff, they comfort me.”
The Lord is my protection (5)
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Do I need provision? “He spreads a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
The Lord is my Lord (6)
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
My Shepherd is infinitely wise and kind and gracious. Surely then, “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
“The Lord my Shepherd is,
I shall be well supplied;
Since He is mine, and I am His,
What can I want beside?”
Conclusion
Jesus is our Shepherd
Jesus provides, sustains, leads, restores, is righteous, my constant companion, and protection.
Jesus is MY Lord!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com