As a child one of the first Psalms I memorized was the beloved 23^rd Psalm.  I remember standing, nearly 30 years ago, in front of my Sunday School class reciting the Psalm to my teacher.  The story is told of one little girl, who when reciting the Psalm said, “The Lord is my shepherd and that’s all I want!”  It’s not quite KJV but still very well said.

Throughout my Christian life this psalm has brought great comfort.  A few days ago, at the funeral of a dear friend, the 23^rd Psalm was read.  It is just six short verses but so much more than mere poetry.  By no accident, the Shepherd’s Psalm is enclosed between the Psalm of the Cross and the Psalm of the King of Glory.  The psalm is so simple that a young child could read it and grasp its superb meaning.  Yet, it is profound enough that theologians could spend years trying to truly understand it.  Too often I skim over the all too familiar verses.  I’m afraid many of us do.  But have you ever stopped and just meditated on the psalm?  Better yet, have you taken the time to dwell on the first verse or even just the first few words? 

The Lord…

He is my Saviour.  He is the One who died and gave His life.  He is the Son of God.  Jesus Christ, the name above all names.   He is my Master.  I owe Him everything!

The Lord is…

He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Bright and Morning Star, the Chief Cornerstone, the Daystar, the Deliverer, The Faithful and True, the Holy One, the King of Kings, the Lord of lords, the Prince of Peace, the Righteous Judge, the Word of Life.

The Lord is my…

He is my strength, my fortress, my rock, my salvation, my God, my buckler, my high tower, my redeemer, my shield, my refuge.

The Lord is my shepherd…

As a helpless lamb He gathers me in His arms.  He carries me in His bosom.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside the still, calm waters.  He gently leads me in paths of righteousness.  I do not fear when He is near.  His rod and staff comforts me.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I shall not want.  When I think about that statement I am overwhelmed.  The Good Shepherd provides for all my needs.  I will never lack for anything.  Of course, there are times when I do “want”.  It is almost always material things that will not last.  But I have never wanted for the things I needed.  I am learning to be content (I Timothy 6:6-8) and trusting my Lord.  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Mat 6:31-33) 

 I thank the Lord for the 23 Psalm.  Even though my God is the Almighty Jehovah who spoke the world into existence, who reigns on high, whose earth is His footstool, and who turns the hearts of kings I am reminded that He is also the Good Shepherd, loving and kind.  He cares for me as a tender lamb.  He rejoices over one lost sheep.  He lovingly guides me all the days of my life.  Yes, the Lord is my shepherd and that’s all I want.