Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Every line of the 23rd Psalm is very familiar and very rich, to the point that it is difficult to choose just one verse from it to focus on. However, this first verse is indeed a fitting introduction for the rest of the Psalm, because the expression “be in want,” can apply to every area of our lives: physical, emotional, and spiritual. It has often been pointed out that David knew all about being a shepherd from personal experience. He literally risked his life for his sheep, taking on a lion and a bear when he was just a teenager. (1 Samuel 17) From that vantage point, stating that the Lord Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, was his shepherd, was a powerful statement indeed. As a shepherd it was David’s job to see to it that the sheep were protected and their needs were met. That didn’t mean they were never hungry or thirsty, but it meant that when they were, he was responsible to get them to good pasture and accessible water. Often that meant getting the water himself out of a well and putting it in troughs so the sheep could drink, as we are told many times in various stories of the patriarchs. In no way was being a shepherd a passive job! Saying that the Lord is our shepherd means that He is actively interested in every area of our lives, for our good. Every part of the rest of the Psalm flows logically from this one statement, so we do well to keep it in our hearts.

I’ve never herded 4-legged sheep, but I’ve pastored a flock for several decades! That has given me the very sharp awareness that I cannot personally supply everything the flock needs. Hebrews 13:20 speaks of Jesus as the “great Shepherd,” and in 1 Peter 2:25 He is called “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Peter in particular understood that analogy, because Jesus had specifically told him to feed His sheep. (John 21:15-17) I am an under-shepherd, as is every merely human pastor, and the best I can do is distribute what Christ supplies. That’s not to say there isn’t work involved, just as David doubtless had to dip water from wells. However, I must never think for a moment that I can supply anything good from just my own resources.. The minute I start trying to do that, I run dry and crash. Every pastor has experienced that multiple times! I am to focus on being rightly connected to the great Shepherd so that He can lead me to the provision that I am to pass on to the sheep. If I will do that in all faithfulness, the flock will be built up in every way, for their blessing and God’s glory.

Father, You know the “bears” and “lions” I face right now. Keep me from thinking I have the strength and wisdom to deal with them apart from You, but help me rest in the assurance that nothing can stand against me when I am abiding in Christ. Help me be an effective under-shepherd, guiding each individual to look to You and trust You, so that all of Your plans for us, individually and collectively, may be fulfilled for our blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!