Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

     he leads me beside quiet waters.

(V. 1-2 [NIV 1984 ed.])

Sheep are well-known to be needy animals. They are totally dependent upon their shepherd for their food and water. Without their shepherd the sheep would starve or perish from thirst.

The image of God as shepherd is inexhaustibly rich.[1] We humans, however, known for our self-sufficiency, do not always appreciate being compared to sheep. But we really should relish this metaphor and cling to the truth it illustrates. Green pastures represent the daily necessities of life. Quiet waters literally mean “waters of resting places.” It is a picture not only of hydration, but of refreshment and rest.

James elaborates on the idea expressed here when he says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17a ESV). All that we have comes from the Lord. The food on our tables, our health, our ability to work, and our families and friends–these are all ultimately gifts from a Good Shepherd who is caring for his sheep. Jesus even reminds us that it is our Father in heaven who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. Will he not much more feed and clothe us (see Matt. 5:25-34)?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for being a Shepherd who provides for sheep like us. Fill us today with a spirit of gratitude to you and of generosity toward others made in your image.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[1] Reformation Study Bible, 854.