Reviewed, edited and approved by Jeff Robb. Scripture is quoted from the King James Version.
Key passage: Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV)
1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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.
Reflection
David knew sheep. Before he was a king, he was a shepherd boy watching his father's flock near Bethlehem. He knew how helpless sheep are, how easily they wander, and how much they depend on the one who cares for them. So when he looked for a picture of God, this is the one he chose.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Not a shepherd. My shepherd. David isn't talking about God in general. He's talking about the God who knows him by name. And because the LORD is his shepherd, he shall not want. That doesn't mean he'll get everything he wishes for. It means he'll never lack what he truly needs.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Sheep won't lie down when they're hungry or afraid. The shepherd provides what lets them rest. Some of us need to hear that God sometimes makes us lie down. He knows when we need rest even when we don't.
He restoreth my soul. When we're worn out, or when we've wandered, He brings us back. he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. He leads us in the right way, not because we deserve it, but because His own name and honour are at stake.
Then verse four. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.
Notice two things. First, it says through. The valley is not the destination. We walk through it. Second, notice the change in the words. Up to now David has talked about the shepherd: he maketh, he leadeth, he restoreth. In the valley, he starts talking to Him. Thou art with me. In the darkest places, God is not far away. He's close enough to speak to.
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The rod drove off wild animals. The staff pulled straying sheep back. Both are signs that someone is watching over us.
Centuries later Jesus said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Whatever valley you're in, you aren't walking it alone.
Cross-references
Prayer
LORD, You are my shepherd, and I shall not want. Lead me today, restore my soul, and keep me on the right path. When I walk through dark valleys, help me remember that You are with me. Amen.
For today: Read Psalm 23 slowly today, and speak verse four to the Lord about whatever valley you're facing.