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Psalm 23 begins with one of the most beloved declarations in all of Scripture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In just a few words, David gives us a window into the character of God, the nature of our relationship with Him, and the deep contentment that flows from trusting Him. This single verse is a well of comfort for weary hearts and a reminder of the God who leads, protects, and provides for His people.

The Identity of the Shepherd — “The Lord”

David begins with a name—“The Lord.” Not a distant deity, not an abstract force, but Jehovah, the covenant‑keeping God. This is the same God who led Israel through the wilderness, parted seas, and spoke through prophets. When David says “The Lord,” he is declaring both divine authority and divine intimacy.

Every one of us is led by something. Ambition, fear, cultural pressure, or the pursuit of comfort can quietly take the reins of our lives. Psalm 23 confronts us with a simple but searching question: Who leads your life? David’s answer is clear—his Shepherd is the Lord Himself, personally involved in the daily details of his life.

Our Relationship to the Shepherd — “My Shepherd”

David doesn’t say “the Shepherd” or even “our Shepherd.” He says “my Shepherd.” The relationship is personal, not theoretical. The imagery of a shepherd evokes tenderness, guidance, protection, and provision. It is the picture Jesus Himself embraces when He says:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14–15)

In ancient Israel, shepherds lived among their sheep. They knew their habits, their weaknesses, their tendencies to wander. They defended them from danger and led them to places of rest. This is the kind of nearness God offers His people—not distant oversight, but daily, attentive care. So the question naturally follows: Is your relationship with God personal, or merely religious?

The Sufficiency of the Shepherd — “I shall not want”

Because the Lord is David’s Shepherd, he can say with confidence, “I shall not want.” This is not a promise of luxury; it is a declaration of contentment. David is not claiming that he will never face hardship. He is saying that with God as his Shepherd, he will never lack what he truly needs. True satisfaction does not come from circumstances, achievements, or possessions. It comes from the Shepherd who knows what we need before we ask and provides out of His abundant grace.

Paul echoes this truth:

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

And again:

“If God is for us, who can be against us? … how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31–32)

The Shepherd who did not hold back His own life will not fail to care for His sheep.

Trusting the Shepherd

Psalm 23:1 is more than a comforting verse—it is a declaration of faith, intimacy, and contentment. It invites us to renew our trust in the Shepherd who leads us, protects us, and provides for us. Wherever you find yourself today—restless, anxious, uncertain, or weary—return to this simple truth: The Lord is your Shepherd. And because He is, you shall not want.