Psalm 23:1 – The Good Shepherd

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

In this verse, it’s easy to identify the Lord as Provider. It’s clear that, with Him, we have all that we need. Some translations say “I shall not want” because, in Him, we lack nothing.

But there’s so much more depth in declaring the Lord as our Shepherd. 

Shepherds know their sheep are unintelligent and need consistent guidance. Shepherds are leaders, looking out for their flock’s best interests and needs.

The Lord, as our Shepherd, not only provides for us. He directs each of us in the path that is best for us. He guides us through blessings and brokenness, so that we never wander into danger. We simply must choose to follow His lead.

In this imperfect world, people will lead us astray. They betray, misguide, and deceive us. We ask God why, only to realize that we live in a world full of fractured hearts. This is why the Lord is our Shepherd. People won’t always get it right. Only He can be our true and perfect Leader. We can have confidence that He will never mislead us.

That’s why Proverbs says this:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight" - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

We can trust in the Lord and not an ounce of our own understanding because He is the Good Shepherd. When we obey Him and follow His lead, He will guide us down the best possible road for each of us. Our ways are so much more limited and weak than His perfect paths.

As I continue healing from a situation where leadership abused their power, I realize that I was placing very high expectations on imperfect people. The sting of their betrayal still exists. What they did wasn’t right. But I acknowledge that they are very human, just like me. And neither of us can attain only what a perfect God can do.

We want those in leadership roles to effectively direct us. Sadly, that isn’t always reality. It’s in those moments of hurting and healing that we can find comfort in our Lord. When others fail, He doesn’t. He’s still the Good Shepherd. He’s faithful to His flock. He will lead, guide, and teach us perfectly.

Reflect:

1. As your Shepherd, the Lord is providing for you and guiding you as you surrender and obey Him. Is it easier for you to identify the Lord as your Provider or your Leader?
2. Have you been misled before by someone you trusted? How did that change your relationship with them? How did you resolve the issue?
3. Did that person’s mistrust change your view of God as a perfect Shepherd? Pray and ask God to give you a clearer picture of who He is, despite how those people treated you.