Psalm 23: What does it mean for us today?

Rays of dawning sunlight burst through the small aircraft window, awakening me from a deep sleep. As my groggy eyes adjusted, I gazed out and caught the first glimpses of land far below. Finally, we were over Scotland, gradually beginning descent toward the Glasgow airport. 

As views of land crystallized, rolling green pastures appeared, covered with randomly spaced small white dots. What were these? As we steadily moved closer, it became clear—sheep! 

While visiting Scotland, I delighted in seeing so many sheep. In the countryside, they seemed to be everywhere. And it was during this trip Psalm Twenty-Three, beginning with “The LORD is my shepherd . . .”, took on fresh meaning. 

Psalm 23 is one of the most commonly quoted passages of the Bible. As first Corinthians 13, the love chapter, is recited at weddings, Psalm 23 is regularly used at funerals as an expression of comfort, hope, and God’s faithfulness. 

What makes these six verses so calming and uplifting, and what does Psalm 23 mean for us today? 

In the Old Testament, David was a shepherd before he became king. The shepherd’s life was to care for and protect the sheep; to give them all they needed. Sheep are known to be dumb, skittish animals, which easily wander off and get injured. Only under the shepherd’s watchful care, they remain safe. 

Through illustration of the LORD being our shepherd, Psalm 23 expresses God’s desire for relationship, and all that relationship with Him offers: 

The LORD is my shepherd;  (God desires RELATIONSHIP)

I shall not want (He PROVIDES every need so I’m lacking nothing)

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;  (He gives REST)

He leads me beside the still waters. (He gives REFRESHMENT)

He restores my soul; (He provides HEALING)

He leads me in the paths of righteousness (He offers GUIDANCE)

For His name’s sake.  (He gives PURPOSE)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (TRIALS may come)

I will fear no evil; (He PROTECTS)

For You are with me;  (He is FAITHFUL)

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (He DISCIPLINES)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (He offers HOPE)

You anoint my head with oil; (He SANCTIFIES)

My cup runs over. (He gives ABUNDANCE)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  (He BLESSES)

All the days of my life; (He’s with us ALWAYS)

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD  (He provides SECURITY)

Forever. (He is ETERNAL) 

David called God, the LORD (Yahweh in Hebrew), his shepherd. Today, Jesus Christ functions as our shepherd. 

John 10 beautifully illustrates Jesus as the Good Shepherd and us as the sheep. In verses 3, 5, and 16 He says the sheep will recognize or hear His voice. They do not know the voice of strangers, but through an ongoing, spending-time-in-His-presence, walking-talking relationship with Him, the sheep learn to hear His voice and follow Him. Then, they are able to receive all the provision and sustenance the Shepherd has to offer.

What does Psalm 23 mean for us today? It demonstrates God’s wonderful care and provision, fulfilled for us in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. 

As God was David’s shepherd in the Old Testament, He is ours today through Jesus Christ. What a glorious walk of faith is ours, as we learn to hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him. 

One of my favorite souvenirs from our trip to Scotland is a small stuffed animal sheep that I keep on my bookcase. It not only brings back pleasant memories of the trip, but also reminds me of who I am, and how desperately I need the Good Shepherd.

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For more insight into Jesus as our Shepherd and hearing His voice, see Chapter 17, “My Sheep Hear My Voice” in Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton