Psalm 23:1-6: Our Great Shepherd

Our Great Shepherd: Psalm 23:1-6

Our Scripture reading this morning comes from Psalm 23:1-6. Hear now the words of the Living and True God:

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  

May God bless the reading of his Word.

In 2014, my daughter Summer started kindergarten. That same year, the local high school chose Summer to play a part in their spring musical that involved some minor acting and singing. She practiced for months leading up to the play.  And for months, we picked her up after each rehearsal.  One particular evening, I decided to stop by the store to grab a few things before heading to the school.  I got what I needed from the store and when I got home, my wife looked at me and asked, “Where’s Summer?” My stomach dropped.  I realized instantly that I had made a huge mistake.  I imagined my 5-year-old daughter outside in the cold, alone, frightened, and unsure of what to do.  When concerned adults offered her a ride, Summer calmly told them, “My dad’s picking me up.”  Thank God everything turned out okay.  But ever since that day, Summer never misses a chance to remind me of it.  We laugh about it now, but the memory still stings.  That night, I failed my daughter.  She relied on me to care for her, to protect her, and to show up when she needed me.  And I let her down.  The trust she placed in me took a hit.  As her father, that’s a hard truth to bear.

In a way, my role as a father mirrors the role of a shepherd. I care for and protect my children just as a shepherd cares for and protects his sheep.  A good shepherd builds trust with his sheep through constant presence and familiarity.  As I researched, I discovered that shepherds live alongside their flock day and night, and over time, the sheep learn to recognize the shepherd’s voice.  The sheep rely on their shepherd’s guidance to meet every daily need.  Without that care, domesticated sheep—helpless by nature—struggle to survive.  They startle easily, stray from safety, and blindly follow the flock, even into danger.  Their survival rests entirely on the shepherd’s devotion and reliability.  Just like them, my children place their trust in me, and I commit myself to leading them faithfully.

Scripture frequently calls followers of God “sheep.” Though some may find this comparison unflattering, it accurately reflects our nature.  Left to our own devices, we create chaos.  Life’s circumstances easily spook us.  We chase the flock into poor decisions and stray from the path without much resistance.  Our behavior doesn’t come from a lack of intelligence—it reveals our struggle to trust the shepherd.  During different seasons of life, we lose control or feel weakened by what surrounds us.  We question God's love or doubt His power to conquer the world's evil. Sometimes, He seems distant or unresponsive to our pain.  As we journey through this sin-cursed world, we walk into dry wastelands, shadowed valleys, and treacherous roads.  Yet our shepherd stays vigilant—wise, powerful, and always watching.  That truth brings us to the main idea of today's message.  God shepherds his people through his provision, protection, and presence.

The opening verse identifies David as the author of this psalm. We first encounter David in 1 Samuel 16 shepherding his father’s sheep.  So, David understood—only too well--- the responsibilities and sacrifices necessary to properly care for sheep.  The context of the Psalm suggests David penned it after many trials and struggles.  Over the last couple months at Redeeming Grace Church, Pastor Josh has led us on a journey through David’s life in 1 Samuel.  During that time, we observed the Lord shepherd David in trial after trial.  God does the same thing for us today.  And in verses 1-3, we see… 

I. God shepherds his people through his provision, 1-3

Verse 1 begins with an emphasis that…

A. God’s people content themselves with the shepherd’s care, 1

David declares, “The Lord is my shepherd,” affirming his personal relationship with the Lord.  He is not a shepherd, he’s not the shepherd, he is not just someone else’s shepherd, he is my shepherd.  He walks the same fields, climbs the same hills, and faces the same challenges as his sheep. What other religion can make this claim about their God?  Because his shepherd intimately knows him, knows his struggles, knows his needs, David can content himself in his shepherd’s care.  When David says “He shall not want,” he reveals his contentment, his fulfillment, his satisfaction, his trust in his shepherd.

His shepherd anoints him with divine favor and walks with him through profound struggle—persecution from his king, turmoil from his family, and grief from his sin—teaching him to trust his shepherd.  The Apostle Paul shares a similar journey.  He learns to trust God through relentless challenges.  He realizes that true contentment doesn’t flow from circumstances.  It flows from a deep, abiding, personal relationship with the shepherd.  He learned in whatever situation to be content. God pours out grace in abundance, and that provision of grace gives Paul contentment in all things, at all times, even while in chains.  In verse 1 God’s people content themselves with the shepherd’s care.  In verses 2-3…

 B. God’s people submit themselves to the shepherd’s leadership, 2-3

Psa 23:2:  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

Because farmers tend to grow grain and crops more efficiently in lowlands, shepherds often guide their sheep through highlands or rugged, mountainous terrain on their way to greener pastures.  The shepherd leads his flocks to abundant fields, where he makes them lie down in green pastures, where he leads them beside still waters, where they experience peace, satisfaction, and refreshment.  Those still waters stand in stark contrast to the chaos and danger of fast-moving rivers, which can easily sweep away a helpless sheep.  Just as a sheep proves helpless walking through dangerous terrain on his own without his shepherd, so too do we prove helpless walking on our own without our shepherd.  If we forsake the leadership of our shepherd and venture out on our own, we risk putting ourselves in the same danger that lone sheep finds himself in in the wilderness.

When God’s sheep wander from the flock, they lose sight of the shepherd.

When they teeter on the edge of cliffs of temptation, they lose sight of the shepherd.  When they thrash about in the rapids of sin threatening to sweep them away, they lose sight of the shepherd.  Though we may wander, the shepherd stands ready to restore us and guide us back to the path of righteousness, leading us to peace and rest.  The children of God who stray from righteous paths to sinful paths, separate themselves from the protection of the shepherd.  Why would we teeter on cliffs of temptation when he offers us the safety of lying down in green pastures.  Why would we struggle in the rapids of sin when he promises to lead us beside still waters.  Only when we return to him can verse 3 become a reality.

Psa 23:3:  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

When he restores my soul, he returns it to its intended, original state.  He revives it.  He rescues it from destruction.  But how does he restore our souls?  In Psalm 19:7, David tells us.  He does so with His word.  He says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.”  This suggests that meditating on Scripture actively restores and refreshes the weary soul.  When sorrow overtakes it, God revives it.  When sin burdens it, God sanctifies it.  When weakness sets in, He strengthens it.  Just as a shepherd speaks to his sheep to return them to the intended place of safety, so too does God use his word to return his people to paths of righteousness.  And when we travel that path enough, it becomes easier over time.  My wife, Anna and I, recently visited the ancient city of Pompei in Italy.  As we walked along the stone streets of the city, we could still see the ruts in the stone, carved by years of wagons rolling over them.  Those ruts kept the wagons on the right path.  In the same way returning to God’s word again and again, carves a right path for us to trod.  Submitting to Scripture keeps us on the paths of righteousness.  And it also honors His name.  Hence the words, “for his name’s sake.”

The Lord leads us along paths of righteousness because we bear His name before the world.  Our behavior either honors or dishonors His name.  The third commandment in Exodus 20:7 commands us not to take the Lord’s name “in vain”.  The term, “in vain” refers not only to speaking His name carelessly or disrespectfully, but also to failing to reflect His holiness through our actions and words.  So, my brothers and sisters, will you choose to follow the Lord’s guidance and obey His voice?  Will you choose to return to God’s word again and again and actively carve paths of righteous living that glorify His name?  God’s people find contentment in the Shepherd’s care and submit wholeheartedly to His leadership.  As they surrender, God faithfully provides and leads them as a devoted Shepherd.

God appointed the prophet Elijah to stand against the unrighteous rule of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.  In obedience to the Lord’s command, Elijah delivered a prophetic warning of drought and judgment to King Ahab, as recorded in 1 Kings 17.  The Lord then directed Elijah to retreat into the wilderness, and Elijah faithfully followed His instruction.  To sustain him, God actively provided for Elijah’s physical needs—He sent ravens, under His command, to deliver meat and bread to the prophet daily.

Will you step boldly into the wilderness where the Lord calls you?  He led Elijah there and may lead you there too.  Embrace the solitude.  It may bring storms, darkness, and sleepless nights.  But it also clarifies your vision, renews your spirit, and deepens your awareness of His presence.  You may carry the weight of your season—a diagnosis, deep loneliness, or painful loss.  Resist despair.  Uproot it before it settles.  Remember, the Lord calls every believer into the wilderness.  But the Shepherd stays with His people. He sustained Elijah through drought and fear, and He sustains you through your trials.  He provides exactly what you need in the wilderness you walk through.  Declare, as David did, “I shall not want!”  Speak it boldly because the Lord shepherds you and leads you toward green pastures and still waters. Follow Him, even when the path twists through uncertainty.  Hold fast to Him, especially when the way looks unclear.  Walk with courage.  Cling tightly to your Shepherd, expecting Him to provide.  Your story doesn’t end in the wilderness.  It marks only a chapter in your journey.

In verses 1-3, God shepherds his people through his provision. Then, in verses 4-5…

II. God shepherds his people through his protection, 4-5

Psa 23:4:  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

Contrary to what some believe these days, God never promises to shield us from calamity, pain, or sickness. No, Scripture tells us that we must…

A. Expect the valleys, 4a

The phrase “valley of the shadow of death” or “darkest valley” vividly portrays someone walking along a narrow valley path, while towering cliffs loom above, sheltering predators that wait to pounce.  This valley symbolizes life’s most challenging seasons.  Times filled with affliction, danger, hardship, and even the shadow of death.  David confirms the reality of these dark seasons when he says, “even though I walk through the valley.”  But the question arises.  If the shepherd wants to protect his sheep, why does he lead them through danger instead of guiding them around it? God could avoid leading us into these treacherous valleys, but He chooses them with purpose.  He shows the sheep His power to protect by guiding them through the darkness, not around it.  He reveals His lovingkindness and personal care by remaining close in the bleakest moments.  The shepherd doesn’t guide us into hardship because He lacks strength or wisdom.  On the contrary, He deliberately leads us into and through these valleys so we can walk confidently under His sovereign protection.  We face seasons of illness, loss, grief, financial trouble, and emotional turmoil. God doesn’t always spare us from these struggles, so we must look to the Lord for strength.  And while walking forward with faith…

B. We must fear no evil, 4b

Children fear the dark because they associate it with the unknown.  When darkness swallows the light, they lose their sense of certainty and imagine dangers hiding in the shadows.  But fear doesn’t only grip children, does it? Adults also tremble before what they cannot see or comprehend.  Even when the road passes through enemies and darkness, saints who trust the Lord do not sprint in panic, nor do they freeze in despair.  They walk---steadily, faithfully---because they believe in their shepherd who silences every fear that threatens their hearts.  Walking shows how we move forward with purpose, knowing both the path and the destination.  Each step reveals how deeply the believer trusts the One who promises that all things work together for good for those who love Him.  That unwavering pace boldly declares faith that sees through death’s shadow and denies it any real power.  After all, we don't fear the shadow of a sword—it cannot kill.  We don't fear the shadow of a snake—it cannot bite.  And we don’t fear the shadow of death, because Christ stripped death of its substance and power.  Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:55–57, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  So, fellow saints, fear no evil as you walk through the valley.  Fix your gaze on the light and turn away from the shadows.  When you do, you choose courage over fear.  You choose peace over anxiety. And, you choose to echo David’s words in saying “I will fear no evil, for you are with me”.   Psalm 121:7 reveals that He keeps you from all evil.

 Psalm 34:7 tells us He sends His angel to encamp around those who fear Him and delivers them.  He promises never to leave or forsake you.  Walk confidently, because Colossians 2:15 reminds us that He disarmed the rulers and authorities, put them to open shame, and triumphed over them.  His power raised Jesus from the dead, and that same power walks with you.

He continues in the next part of the verse: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  When we walk through the valley, demons may seem closer than the shepherd.  But the shepherd stays by our side.  He shields us from the evil that surrounds us.  He uses the rod or club to drive away wild animals and correct the sheep when they stray.  He wields the staff to protect and guide.  It’s easy to see why driving off wild animals brings comfort.  Yet many people struggle to see how correction or discipline does the same.  My parents disciplined me at times.  Back then, I didn’t understand why running into traffic or touching a hot stove posed such danger.  But the discipline and correction my parents provided protected me from that danger.  Danger I may not have even been aware of.  In the same way, God’s discipline and correction serve to protect us from danger.  Even danger we may not be aware of.  Though that correction may feel uncomfortable or painful at times, it creates a secure, protected environment that brings real comfort. When we have a loving God who actively seeks to protect us from harm, the dangers hiding in the shadows do not hinder a courageous walk through the dark valleys of life.  Not only must we fear no evil, we must also…

C. Rest in his power, 5

Psa 23:5:  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

David steps beyond the Shepherd metaphor and reveals a vision of deeper intimacy with God.  The Lord leads him faithfully through the valley of the shadow of death and sets a victorious feast before him.  A feast right in the presence of his enemies.  With the danger behind him, David rests in peace, trusting fully in God’s sheltering presence.

His enemies stand powerless, unable to shake the joy of this divine celebration.  And each blessing grows sweeter when David receives it directly from God's gracious hand.  God anoints David’s head with oil, declaring His lavish blessing, His healing touch, and His unfailing protection.  He fills the cup until it overflows.  A vivid display of His abundant provision.  Pastor Jeremy shared with me during a recent conversation; while serving in Iraq, he witnessed locals deliberately pour tea into cups until it spilled into the saucer---an act rich with meaning, a symbol of overflowing blessing.  The symbolism David used then…continues as a tradition in the Middle East, even today.  This echoes the timeless promise that God does not just meet our needs---He surpasses them.

About a month before her 24^th birthday, my youngest sister, Jacquelyn, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  The valley of the shadow of death became very real to me.  She would have celebrated her 38^thth birthday about a week ago.  The sting of her loss remains with me and my family to this day.  Pain and tragedy are realities that none of us can escape and all of us must face.

Do not let pain or tragedy pull your gaze from the Lord!  Stand firm, for your Shepherd is right beside you---unyielding, vigilant, and mighty to defend.  In the darkest valley, He does not abandon you.  He calls you to rise in confidence, to trust His perfect leadership, and to rest boldly in the power of His presence.  Lean in.  Hold fast.  Let nothing shake your faith.  He is with you---always.  Each new valley presents another opportunity to grow in courage and faith.  Won’t we walk boldly, knowing our destination and the celebration banquet that awaits.  In verses 4-5, God shepherd’s his people through his protection. In verse 6…

III.   God shepherd’s his people through his presence, 6

Psa 23:6:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…

In the first part of the verse, David confidently believed that goodness and mercy pursued him every day of his life.  That same truth applies to us today—and because of it, we must…

A. Be grateful for the present, 6a

Goodness and mercy pursue David with unwavering devotion, embodying the lovingkindness of God Himself.  He opens His hand to meet our countless needs and embraces us with a heart that sees beyond them.  And the wonder of it all?  He doesn’t send blessings from a distance.

He is present with us today.  He patiently pursues us.  He abundantly provides—not just offering gifts---but offering Himself.  In verse 1, David said the Lord is “My” shepherd.  Do you know him as David did?  Can you too say that the Lord is “My” shepherd?  Do you have the same unwavering devotion in your pursuit of God as he has in his pursuit of you?  Remember a sheep that strays loses sight of his shepherd.  And that sheep proves helpless and struggles to survive.  Knowing that truth, do we long for the shepherd’s presence as David did when he wrote these words in Psalm 63:1 “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”  We must be grateful for the present and we must also…

B. Be hopeful for the future, 6b

“…and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”  

In the Old Testament, writers primarily referred to the Tabernacle—and later the Temple in Jerusalem—as the house of the Lord.  God designed these structures to serve as His dwelling place among His people on earth and to function as central locations for worship.  The earthly temple pointed forward to the heavenly one, where we will enjoy His presence and worship Him eternally.  David confidently declared that he would dwell in the Lord’s house “forever.”  Psalm 16:11 celebrates the joy and fulfillment found there, proclaiming, “…in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  Charles Spurgeon, the 19th-century preacher, captured the essence of this verse beautifully.  He explained: “For quality there is in heaven joy and pleasures; for quantity, a fulness, a torrent whereat they drink without let or loathing; for constancy, it is at God's right hand, who is stronger than all, neither can any take us out of his hand; it is a constant happiness without intermission: and for perpetuity it is for evermore.  Heaven's joys are without measure, mixture, or end.”

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond tore his hamstring during the 400-meter semi-final.  A race he was a favorite to win gold in.  Refusing to quit, he forced himself forward, one agonizing step at a time.  From the stands, his father, Jim Redmond, saw his son struggling and sprang into action.  He pushed through security, raced onto the track, and wrapped his arm around Derek.  Together, father and son walked to the finish line, drawing a standing ovation from 65,000 spectators.  Jim’s loving presence and support, matched by Derek’s determination, turned their shared moment into an enduring symbol of perseverance and the Olympic spirit.

Unexpected events will strike and moments of heartbreak will test our resolve.  But don’t let discouragement steal your stride.  Push through setbacks.  Trust in the One who never leaves your side.  When your strength fails, call out to your heavenly Father.  He runs to you, wraps his arms around you, and walks with you to the finish.  Don’t chase medals, chase Him.  Hear the roar of heaven’s applause as you keep going.  Take inspiration from Derek Redmond.  When agony broke his body, the love of his father lifted his spirit.  Let that image stir you.  When you feel weak, lean into divine strength.  Let pain deepen your gratitude for God’s presence.  Won’t we live boldly in the now!  Won’t we embrace the joy and comfort of our Father today.  And also look ahead with hope.  Our future holds even greater intimacy, deeper connection, and everlasting victory.

In Psalm 23, David declared the Lord as his shepherd.  He watched God meet his needs, guide him through dark valleys, and surround him with divine presence.  Just as God shepherded David, he now shepherds us.  We resemble sheep---naturally weak and dependent.  One day, each of us will walk through the unavoidable valley of death.  In that moment, when we stand powerless and exposed, our spiritual survival will hinge entirely on whether we know the Shepherd.  So the question stands: Are you one of his sheep?  Jesus proclaimed in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  He chose to offer himself as the sacrifice for the sins of his sheep.  On the third day, he conquered the grave by rising from the dead, and he promises eternal life to all who believe in him.  If you don’t follow Jesus as your shepherd, you will enter the valley of death unprepared for what awaits.  Paul pleads in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  God shepherds his people through his provision, protection, and presence. If the Shepherd speaks to your heart today, will you answer his call?