Psalms 23 is one of the most quotable chapters in all of scripture, yet it is often misunderstood which is why in 2020 over 178,000 people asked the question:

What does the Lord is my Shepherd mean?

One of the most beautiful and well known Psalms ever written.

This psalm is both a story and a powerful realization.

The story of a sheep who is well taken care of, and the realization that the presence of God is the greatest gift.

Let's dive in!

Psalm 23:1

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

The very first verse of this Psalm is both a statement and a prophecy or prediction.

Being in the presence of the Shepherd is the very best place for that sheep or lamb. Another way this could be said, is when I am with my shepherd, I am at my happiest. The lamb is at its happiest when in the presence of the Shepherd. Why is this? Why does this cause the lamb to have no want or any need? The rest of the Psalm will tell us.

Psalm 23:2

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters."

The green pastures and the still waters is like paradise for the lamb and the sheep. Everything is provided for and we feel safe.

An interesting fact about sheep is that they refuse to drink from moving waters. They are easily frightened. So the fact that the shepherd brings the sheep to the still waters, not only tells us that God provides for us, but is attentive to our needs.

Psalm 23:3

"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

The shepherd God restores, revives, and rejuvenates us. Not only do we experience peace but restoration. How many of us need restoration on a daily basis? Physical restoration yes, but also emotional and spiritual restoration. The shepherd provides that. This is why we like coming to church, because there we can be restored.

Not only does the Good Shepherd provide healing, but He is also the one who provides spiritual guidance. We follow the shepherd, not other sheep.

Psalm 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."

Up till this point, the lamb's journey has been peaceful and pleasant. But what about those times when disaster strikes?

Now the shepherd and the lamb are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. A couple of things to note here. The lamb is not alone. The lamb is with the Shepherd. Also the place they are walking through is the valley of the shadow of death. Almost as if death is a person and he is casting his shadow upon you. Death is close, but not here.

The reason the lamb is comforted and fears no evil is not because the evil force is weak. Evil is present and dangerous, but because the lamb is with the shepherd. The lamb knows the shepherd can fight off any evil in its path.

Psalm 23:5

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

Even when the lamb is surrounded by its enemies, the lamb is provided for and protected. The lamb can be at peace. Because the lamb isn't focused on the wolves closing in. They are powerless. The lamb is focused on its shepherd.

The blessings of the shepherd cannot be contained. The lamb has got it good.

Psalm 23:6

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

As the lamb follows the Shepherd, goodness and mercy follow the lamb. Because the lamb is following the shepherd.

Because of everything that has happened in this Psalm, the lamb makes a choice: to always be in the presence of Lord.

And so the lamb can say: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

The Lord can be your shepherd too.

And that is what it means when we say, the Lord is my Shepherd.