Sheep

Psalm 23 — “The Shepherd of My Soul”

Text: Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

Introduction

Psalm 23 is perhaps the best-loved Psalm in all the Bible.

It has comforted believers in times of joy, sorrow, uncertainty, sickness, and even at the hour of death.

Written by David, a shepherd who became a king, it reveals the tender care of God for His people.

David does not merely say, “The Lord is a shepherd,” but “The Lord is my shepherd.” 

Christianity is not merely knowing truths about God; it is knowing God personally through faith.

The Psalm can be divided into three sections:

The Shepherd and His Provision (vv. 1-3)

The Shepherd and His Protection (v. 4)

The Shepherd and His Promise (vv. 5-6)

1. The Shepherd and His Provision (vv. 1-3)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

A shepherd takes responsibility for his sheep. He feeds them, guides them, protects them, and cares for them.

David's confidence is not in himself but in his Shepherd.

The reason he does not want is because the Lord supplies all his needs.

This does not mean believers get everything they desire, but everything they truly need.

Paul echoed this truth:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Illustration

A little child walking through a busy city holds tightly to his father's hand. He is unconcerned about where the next meal comes from or where he will sleep that night because his father is caring for him. The believer has far greater security—the care of the Almighty Shepherd.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”

Sheep only lie down when they feel safe.

The Shepherd provides nourishment and rest.

Many believers are exhausted because they try to carry burdens God never intended them to bear.

Christ still says:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“He leadeth me beside the still waters”

Sheep are fearful animals. They avoid rushing waters.

The Shepherd brings them to calm, refreshing waters.

The Lord knows exactly what we need spiritually. He leads us to the refreshing waters of His Word and His presence.

“He restoreth my soul”

Even sheep wander.

Sometimes believers wander too.

David himself knew what it was to stray.

Yet the Shepherd restores.

What a wonderful truth! When we fail, the Lord does not immediately cast us aside. He seeks, restores, forgives, and renews.

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake”

The Shepherd not only feeds the sheep but guides them.

God's guidance is always righteous.

Many ask:

What is God's will for my life?

Which path should I take?

The Shepherd promises guidance to those who follow Him.

His concern is not merely our happiness but His glory.

2. The Shepherd and His Protection (v. 4)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”

Notice David does not say if but though.

Every believer faces valleys.

There are valleys of:

Sickness

Bereavement

Loneliness

Persecution

Disappointment

The Christian life is not free from valleys.

However, valleys are places we walk through.

They are not permanent residences.

“I will fear no evil”

Why?

Not because evil is absent.

Not because the valley is pleasant.

Not because David is strong.

But because of the next phrase:

“For thou art with me”

Up to this point David has spoken about God.

Now he speaks to God.

In the valley theology becomes reality.

Many can speak about God in sunshine, but in dark valleys believers discover the preciousness of His presence.

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”

The shepherd carried two instruments:

The Rod

Protection

Defence against predators

The Staff

Guidance

Rescue of wandering sheep

Both are comforting because they remind us that the Shepherd is actively caring for us.

Illustration

A child in a storm is not comforted because the thunder stops. He is comforted because his father is beside him.

The presence of God changes everything.

3. The Shepherd and His Promise (vv. 5-6)

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”

The picture changes.

David now sees himself as an honoured guest at the Shepherd's table.

God's blessings are not dependent upon favourable circumstances.

Enemies may surround us, yet God still provides.

The world cannot stop God's goodness toward His children.

“Thou anointest my head with oil”

Oil often symbolises:

Joy

Blessing

Refreshment

The Holy Spirit

The Shepherd's care is not merely sufficient—it is abundant.

“My cup runneth over”

This is the language of abundance.

David is not complaining about what he lacks.

He is overwhelmed by what he has received.

A believer who understands God's grace will often find himself saying:

"Lord, I deserve judgment, yet You have given me mercy."

Our cup truly runs over.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”

What confidence!

David does not say:

Perhaps

Maybe

Hopefully

He says:

"Surely."

Two companions follow every child of God:

Goodness — God giving what we do not deserve.

Mercy — God withholding what we do deserve.

Every day of life is marked by both.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever”

The Psalm begins with the Shepherd.

It ends in the Father's house.

The journey may contain valleys, enemies, trials, and tears.

But it ends in glory.

The believer's future is secure.

One day faith will become sight.

One day we shall see the Shepherd face to face.

Conclusion

Psalm 23 reveals three great truths:

The Shepherd Provides

“I shall not want.”

The Shepherd Protects

“I will fear no evil.”

The Shepherd Promises

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

The greatest question is not whether Psalm 23 is beautiful.

The greatest question is:

Can you say, “The Lord is MY Shepherd”?

The Good Shepherd is the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

He died for sinners, rose again, and invites all to trust Him.

If He is your Shepherd today, you can face every circumstance with confidence.

If He is not your Shepherd, come to Him in faith and discover the care, protection, and eternal security that only He can give.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Amen.

Closing remarks regarding working with children.

We need to understand the group that we work with.

Don’t underestimate what a child can understand - a child can take in the full council of God.

We need to explain clearly

We need to know the subject well to be able to do that.

Don’t understimate what God can do!

He is in the business of saving souls. Let be expectant and look for Him to work.

Let us prepare ourselves for the battle.

Are there matters that need to be resolved?

Are there things that can hinder the spiriit of God working?

Are there unresolved conflicts?

Satan uses all these to hinder the Gospel

Also the Holy Spirit cannot bring blessing.

Let us pray for the children that God will prepare their hearts for the message.

And when they are with us that Satan will not be able to hinder the message.