Psalm 23:1 Context
The Psalms are a collection of prayers and hymns written by David, Solomon, and several other ancient Israelites.
Psalm 23, written by David, comes out of his experience as a shepherd in his youth. It is one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture.
Psalm 23:1 Meaning
This entire psalm paints a picture of you as a sheep and God as your good and loving shepherd. The Lord provides food and water and also protects you from harm.
There is a kind of harm that comes from our own ignorance or willfulness, like falling from a cliff or into deep water, but there’s also the kind that comes from an enemy attack.
God protects us from both of these, using his “rod and staff” to guide our steps as well as to ward off predators.
Seeing God as our shepherd is common in both the New and Old Testaments. And it makes sense.
We are vulnerable and often simple-minded creatures, and we desperately need his watchful eye on us at all times. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd and promised that he would give his life for his sheep.
This first verse of Psalm 23 sets the stage with a short but powerful two-part statement. First, “the Lord is my shepherd.” He’s not just our shepherd.
It’s personal. We can often fall into the trap of thinking God loves us in general terms and forget that he loves each of us as individuals.
As Jesus taught in a parable, he would leave the ninety-nine sheep for just one who was lost.
Next, the psalmist says, “I lack nothing.” There is nothing you need that God hasn’t provided. The same shepherd who would put himself in harm’s way to protect you will also make sure you have exactly what you need to thrive.
Psalm 23:1 Application
This psalm is often used to comfort the bereaved and with good reason. It promises that God will be with us as we pass through the shadow of death.
But we also need to consider what this psalm says to those worried about everyday things as well. You lack nothing! God will provide and protect.
If he promises to be with us even in death—and showed it through the sacrifice of his own Son—he will also be with us in this life, leading you to the pastures and water you need to sustain and nourish you.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”