Psalm 23:1–3 (CSB) – The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Few passages of Scripture are as beloved as Psalm 23. People recite it at funerals, whisper it in hospital rooms, and cling to it during dark nights of the soul. But it isn’t just a psalm for death; it’s a psalm for life. It teaches us that every day, in every season, we are under the faithful care of the Shepherd.
The Lord provides.
David begins with confidence: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” Notice how personal it is. The Lord isn’t just a shepherd; He is my shepherd. That relationship changes everything. When God is our Shepherd, we can trust Him to provide. Not every want is supplied, but every need is met. Food for the body, grace for the soul, wisdom for decisions, and peace in the storm all flow from His hand.
The Lord restores.
Life has a way of wearing us down. Fear drains courage. Stress steals rest. Sin saps joy. But God doesn’t leave His sheep scattered and exhausted. He makes us lie down in green pastures. He leads us beside quiet waters. The picture is one of renewal: of God filling empty hearts and reviving tired spirits. He restores our souls with His presence, His promises, and His peace.
The Lord leads.
Sheep are prone to wander, and so are we. We need direction that we cannot give ourselves. But the Shepherd leads us on the right paths. And notice why: “for his name’s sake.” God’s reputation is tied to His care of His people. He will not abandon His sheep because His glory is wrapped up in keeping His promises. We can walk with confidence, knowing that even if the road is steep, the Shepherd is leading.
This psalm reminds us that we are not left to navigate life on our own. God provides, restores, and leads. And when fears rise, when needs press in, when uncertainty looms, we can whisper to our hearts: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
He is enough.
