The Sheep

I can’t tell you when I first heard Psalm 23. I know I was young. I imagine it was at a solemn occasion like a church service.

Like most Americans, I’ve always known of this Psalm. It is a part of our collective consciousness. For many of us, it can quickly become a cliché.

Familiarity can sometimes keep us from seeing a profound truth. For me, that is the case with this passage. I’ve never fully considered the depth and tenderness of this Psalm, especially as it relates to Jesus and his care for me.

I reconsidered this sacred hymn after reading A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller.

There may be no person better equipped to discuss this Psalm. Born in Kenya to missionaries, Keller spent many years in agricultural research, ranching, and working as a shepherd. He’s a legitimate shepherd – like a man standing in the field watching and caring for sheep.

His experience applied to this text provides unique insight. Following are my observations of the book and David’s masterpiece.

The Lord is my shepherd.

I am in a relationship with Jesus. He owns me because he purchased me. I am His cherished son. I have value and purpose. This truth defines me.

I shall not be in want.

I am cared for by the Savior. He provides for my needs. I can stop worrying about the big and small details of my life. I have peace.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

I am, on my own, spiritually afraid, tense, and hungry. But I’m not on my own. Jesus is nearby, and His presence gives me rest. Being with Jesus is all that matters.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

I am thirsty for the water only Jesus can provide. Life is hard, but he leads me and will refresh my soul. He is always working on and for me.

He restores my soul.

I am nothing without Jesus. Alone, I have no reason for hope or joy. But he lifts my Spirit and heals my heart. He never leaves me behind.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

I am a lost and wandering soul. Left to myself, I will fail. But He has a plan and path for me. This brings glory to Him. It is all about Jesus.

Even though I walk through the valley.

I am a man of little faith and fear. But Jesus has walked the road before me and stays by my side. He protects me. Fear runs from Jesus.

Your rod and your staff, comfort me.

I need His comfort. His rod, the word, has complete authority in my life. His staff, the Spirit, comforts my heart. Jesus is mighty to save.

You prepare a table before me.

I am lost and unprepared for life and eternity without Him. Jesus thinks of me. He prepares a table for me. Who am I that the Son of God should know and shepherd me?

You anoint my head with oil.

I am easily aggravated by life and influenced by sin. Jesus provides a life-giving salve. It is only in Him and through the power of the Holy Spirit that I find relief.

Surely goodness and love will follow me.

I am prone to wonder, and without him, I will sin. Behind me is a trail of death and destruction. But walking in the paths of Jesus brings goodness and love. He changes everything.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I want to be with Jesus. There is nothing better than being in His presence and under his control. As the song says, you can have all this world, but give me Jesus.

When I put my sons to bed, they often want me to stay with them. I get it. They are just little guys, and the room is big and dark. They feel alone and know they are no match for the world. They need to know someone is near, watching over them.

I feel the same way. We aren’t that much different than sheep. We are sheep. As the prophet Isaiah said, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way.

Life would be hopeless if the story ended there. But it doesn’t. Jesus is my shepherd. And He’s your shepherd too. Believe it.