It is undoubtedly the most well-known song in the world. If asked, “what follows these words, ‘the Lord is my…'” even most unbelievers could quote, “…shepherd, I shall not want.”
The song, penned by David and placed in the psalter as the 23rd song, has served as a comfort to mothers cradling ill children, husbands standing alongside caskets of their departed wives, students facing difficult examinations, soldiers under the strain of warfare, and far more.
Spurgeon said Psalm 23 was “the pearl of Psalms” and “the nightingale of the Psalms.” Another writer said, “It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the hearts of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner and broken his chains, and, like Peter’s angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master.”
What is it about this song that is so comforting?
It is a portrait of the character of God in His role as provider, keeper, sustainer, and helper. It is a reminder of God’s compassion towards His people. He will not abandon those whom He has chosen to be His sheep (or to change the figure, children). He is faithful in His care:
- He provides spiritual food and safety in “green pastures” and “still waters” — what we need to feed our souls is never diminished and we are always safe when we are in His care (v. 2) — even when enemies surround us (v. 5).
- He provides so that His people are never destitute (v. 1). His sheep will always have all their needs supplied (v. 2). Perhaps David is thinking back to God’s provision in a particularly difficult time in Israel’s history — the wilderness wandering — when Moses told Israel, “You have not lacked anything” (Dt. 2:7). That simple declaration echoed the song Israel sang on the eastern side of the Red Sea (Ex. 15:13ff).
- He provides spiritual restoration when we are needy and broken — there is always forgiveness from the Shepherd when we, His sheep, confess (v. 3; cf. Ps. 32).
- He leads His sheep — and He always leads righteously and to righteousness; His direction is always right (v. 3b).
- He guides His sheep into and out of valleys of distress, difficulty, suffering, and even death (v. 4).
David was comforted (and we receive comfort) by remembering that “You are with me” (v. 4b). Wherever David was — in the prosperity of green pastures and still waters, or the duress of dark and deep valleys, David was comforted by the unfailing presence of God — of Yahweh, the covenant-making, grace-giving God of Israel. The God who promised loyal live was beside Him. The Shepherd whose job it is to care for him is there; the Shepherd whose reputation is at stake is with him. And in His presence, God is also acting for His sheep.
The awareness of God’s presence with David is still the confident, certain expectation of believers today — “He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5-6; NASB)
The sheep is comforted by an awareness that he is never alone — God is always with him, caring and acting on His behalf. That reality is supplemented by another great and comforting truth.
David reminds himself of the truth that because of God’s provision as the Shepherd (and King/Host, v. 5), “surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life.” The noun “good” may well be used here to modify “lovingkindness,” so that David means God’s good grace will always follow him wherever he goes. And not just follow, but pursue and chase after him. It’s “sure” — it’s a certainty. But that word “surely” can also refer to something restricted or singular — “only.” That’s probably the better way to understand it: because David is in covenant relationship with God, He will only give Him what is good and gracious. God is never against Him; His gifts are always for Him.
Like Job and Job’s friends, in some harsh circumstances we are tempted to think that God is against us. He is not. He cannot be against us. He can only be for us. And He is relentless in His pursuit to provide. And this will happen through all the days of David’s life (into eternity). It’s God’s never-ending grace.
If you are a follower of God, adopted as His child, and identified with Christ through His death and resurrection, like David, you can be comforted by this great song and the truth of God’s gracious provision, leadership, and compassion.
He is your Shepherd. He can only give you what is graciously good. And He will comfort and care for you in all your days — both “good” and “hard” days. He is your Shepherd.
“Sheep, darkroom print” by Mark Dries is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Words of Grace 
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. Thank you.