The Lord is My Shepherd (Part 1)

            A quick background about Psalm 23. Psalm 23 is a psalm written by David during the days in which he had to flee from his son Absalom. Absalom, who was David’s son, rallied the people of Israel around him, overthrew his father David and established himself as king (2 Samuel 15:1-12). When David learned of what had transpired he fled from Jerusalem. He was forced to hide out in the wilderness and other locations so that he would not be found and killed (2 Samuel 15:13-37). It is not until Absalom is killed that David is able to return to Jerusalem and to his throne (2 Samuel 19). While on the run David finds comfort by describing God as his shepherd. David had been a shepherd and knew what that meant and the duties involved. David takes the character of God and presents it in understandable terms for him and for others.

            What does it mean for the Lord to be our shepherd? When the Lord is my Shepherd it means that I shall not lack for the things that I need. The idea behind the word lack means being in need but also “expresses the sufficiency of God’s grace to meet the needs of his people.”

            In verse 2 David says that he is led to green pastures and quiet waters. David knows that a good shepherd would make sure the sheep’s necessities were provided for. Green pastures and quiet waters represent food and water, necessities for living. When David is writing this he is on the run, away from his palace, away from the chefs and away from the food supplies that had always been there. There was no way to know for sure where David’s next meal would come from and there was no guarantee there would be a next meal. David believes that God will supply his needs no matter what conditions look like around him (and since he does not die in the wilderness of starvation, God must have met his needs).

            Right now this is a good reminder for me. I’m still looking for a job and financially, well, let’s just say we are nowhere close to Bill Gates like status. I get frustrated and wish I had more. But then I think to myself more of what? More of the things that are really wants rather than needs? More of those things that are popular today and unpopular tomorrow (but don’t get rid of the unpopular things because it will be popular again one day). Maybe I want more meals from Outback or Olive Garden? Yes those are the things I want but not the things that I need. What I must chose to do is focus on what I have, the needs that God has given me.

            When I refocus I realize that in reality I do not lack. I have food and water and clothes. I have a place to live. I have a wonderful wife who loves me no matter what. I have two great “furry” children (a dog and cat). I have a wonderful family. When I focus on how God provides for my needs and has blessed me with so much more than I must say that the Lord is my Shepherd and I do not lack.