Psalm 23 is a scripture in the Bible that many of us are probably familiar with. It’s often one that we reach for when we are in need of comfort, or going through something difficult. It was my beloved grandmother’s very favorite verse, and has been a soothing balm for my own weary soul, offering comfort, courage, and hope when I’ve needed it most.
If we zoom out a little, we see that the surrounding chapters, Psalm 22 and 24, both share the same theme of “God as King”. They provide important context for Psalm 23 and remind us that our Good Shepherd is also the King of Kings. As I have been sitting with Psalm 23, I have learned and experienced that part of the beauty and blessing of following Jesus is getting to walk every day with the Shepherd King.
Psalm 23 reads:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.“
We could spend days unpacking all the treasures of this Psalm, but I want to invite you to lean into a few key truths today. In Psalm 23 we learn that as we follow Jesus, we will not lack, we will not fear, and we will dwell in security.
We will not lack anything, because our Shepherd King provides for us from the abundance of His great and unshakeable kingdom. We are safe to rest and be filled under his protection and care. He knows just what we need, yet because He loves us, He also invites us to share our hears and needs with him. He’s faithful to provide for us, even when it seems like he’s moving more slowly than we’d like.
We don’t have to fear when we walk through the darkest of valleys, because He protects us and guides us, and He is the light unto our path.
In ancient times, when a shepherd had to guide their flock through dark and dangerous valleys, they would tie a small oil lamp to their ankle that would illuminate the path immediately in front of them. While it wouldn’t be enough to see the entire journey ahead of them, it allowed them to see the next step, and the next, and so on, until they safely reached the other side.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
When we are navigating dark and unknown seasons in life, our own “valley of the shadow of death”, it is God’s Word that helps us safely navigate through step by step. We may not be able to see the whole journey, or predict the outcomes, but we can rest assured that our Good Shepherd can. He will give us what we need, right when we need it so that we can put one foot in front of the other, until we are safely through the valley. As we abide in Him and in His Word, we find strength, wisdom, and hope for the journey ahead and experience His love and tender care for us in the process.
Because of our Shepherd King, we will not fear because we are neither alone nor helpless in the valley. His rod and staff bring security and comfort in the face of danger. A shepherd’s rod is used to drive away enemies and defend the sheep from outside threats or attacks. The staff gently guides and rescues, and can reach the sheep in the most difficult of places and pull them to safety. In Christ, we find comfort in distress, and true security. We can always depend on Him to protect, defend, and deliver us.
Finally, we will dwell with Christ and His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. I recently learned that the Hebrew word for “follow” in this verse is the same word as “pursuit”. But it’s not a casual pursuit – it’s the kind that runs as hard and as fast as it can, stopping at nothing to get to us. We can’t outrun His goodness and mercy, it will pursue us everywhere we go. We’ll never be without it, just like we’ll never be without His love. It’s just who He is.
Walking with the Shepherd King also gives us the security of knowing that we can dwell with God, as a part of His Kingdom now and forever. Now, as we proclaim in word and deed that Jesus is Lord, and when we will see Him one day face to face and all things are made new.
If you are going through a dark valley of your own right now, I want to invite you to fix your eyes on Jesus, and lean into these truths. You are safe in the arms of the Shepherd King. He will be faithful to care for you and carry you through. Let His Word illuminate the path in front of you as you trust in Him, knowing that His love, and goodness and mercy are surrounding you every step of the way.
