The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 (NIV): 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

   I fear we have come to associate this psalm only with funerals. I myself always read it when I conduct one. But it is about so much more than comfort when a person dies, it is full of life and joy and the promise of God's goodness for today.

David knew how to be a good shepherd and he knew that God was one. God takes care of all of our needs. He places us where good food and water is. He provides the rest we need and gives us guidance on where to go. Sheep are notorious for going astray and getting into trouble. God guides us along paths that are a blessing to us and an honor to him. And God protects us. He walks with us through whatever we go through, and has the power to protect us along the way. The rod was used to fend off animals that came to attack the sheep, and the staff was used to guide the sheep along safe passages.

Even though the shepherd analogy is a beautiful one, David knew it only went so for so he abandons it in verse five. We are not God's pets or possessions, we are his children. God preparing a table before us gives me the picture of a father welcoming his grown son to banquet with him. God accepts us as children and anoints our heads with oil. This is a picture of God pouring his joy and Spirit in abundance on us. The world will see that our faith is true and we will be vindicated in our belief.

Finally, God's love and goodness follows us throughout our lives and we have the promise of heaven for all eternity.