He Created You, But Is God Your Father Yet?
Is His Son In Charge?
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever." ~ David's Psalm 23 nlt Bible
Q: What does the Psalmist David say about this Shepherd (God) and his kind shepherding lifestyle in other Bible psalms?
(David’s perspective and praise of God’s lovely shepherding care)
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Psalm 28:9 – “Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.”
God not only leads but lifts and carries His people through every season. -
Psalm 74:1 – “Remember Your congregation, which You purchased of old, the tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed—this Mount Zion where You have dwelt.”
David appeals to God’s shepherding ownership of His flock. -
Psalm 77:20 – “You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
God leads with both human and divine hands. -
Psalm 78:52 – “He led out His own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.”
God’s shepherding includes guidance And sustenance in barren places. -
Psalm 79:13 – “So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever.”
Thanksgiving is the flock’s fitting response to the Shepherd’s care. -
Psalm 80:1 – “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock.”
David calls upon God as the attentive, guiding Shepherd. -
Psalm 95:7 – “For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”
We belong not only in His pasture but to His personal touch. -
Psalm 100:3 – “We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
His ownership means His provision and protection are there for us. If he's not Lord of all in your life.. He's not Lord at all.. Make him Lord of all and best friend too.
Q: What does the Bible say about Jesus the Shepherd and His type of excellent shepherding?
(How Scripture presents Christ’s type of shepherding—excellent, lovingly sacrificial, and eternal)
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
Jesus’ shepherding style is proven by His willingness to die for His flock.John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
His patient tender care is intimately relational—rooted in His intricate knowledge of you.John 10:27–28 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”
His voice leads (meditate upon His Word), God's Gift preserves, His Spirit and promise secures.Hebrews 13:20 – “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep…”
Jesus is not just “good”—He is “greater” that all who have ever been great. Yes, and great in resurrection power.1 Peter 2:25 – “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
He guards both our wandering and our souls’ eternal safety.1 Peter 5:4 – “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
His shepherding ends with glory, for none are even near as faithful as Jesus is.Revelation 7:17 – “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Even as the Lamb of God, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd—tender, eternal, comforting.
God the Father on His Son Jesus as the Ultimate Shepherd--He is Good and Real Good at It!
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Good Shepherd – John 10:11
Gives, gives, gives more, and lays down His life for the sheep. -
Great Shepherd – Hebrews 13:20
Risen in power from physical death, securing the flock eternally. -
Chief Shepherd – 1 Peter 5:4
Supreme leader of all (flawed) under-shepherds (delegated authorities), and returning with rewards. We choose to wisely submit to both. -
Shepherd and Overseer of Souls – 1 Peter 2:25
Guardian who watches over every detail of our inner and outer life. -
One Shepherd – John 10:16; Ezekiel 37:24
The unifying leader of one flock from every nation. He's not a globalist, but he is a nationalist who enjoys the differences and hearing prayers in every language. -
My Shepherd – Hebrews 13:20 applied personally
Not just a shepherd—mine. Can be yours here and now.. today! -
The Lamb-Shepherd – Revelation 7:17
Paradoxical—both a sacrifice and our risen guide. -
The Shepherd Who Seeks the Lost – Luke 15:4–7
Leaves the ninety-nine to go find the one. He's still the ultimate Fisher of people, and He trains each of us (not merely via true book knowledge, but with face-to-face encounters, ears, and improving practice) to go fish for souls as well. -
The Shepherd Who Feeds His Flock – Isaiah 40:11
Nourishes well. He lifts and carries the weak in His arms. -
The Shepherd Who Gives Rest – Matthew 11:28–29 linked with John 10
Leads to still, healthy waters and into deep peace (that passes all understanding) for the soul. -
The Shepherd Who Knows His Own by Name – John 10:3
Talkin' about excellent individual care and calling for every sheep (repentant, saved sinner who believed the gospel Message). -
The Eternal Shepherd – Psalm 23:6; Revelation 7:17
Guides us now, here today, and forward into everlasting dwelling with Him.
Like David did, do you allow this Shepherd to direct your steps?
When the good Shepherd Jesus leads me--what an adventure! It's into the World (where people live), but not into Worldliness (that'd be weird).
Needs met! I lack no good thing beneath His loving, watchful gaze and hand. He lays me down in meadows dressed in sublime emerald grace,
Yes, and also leads me to still waters for purposes He knows..
Where my soul drinks in peace.
Faithful to His promise,
He thoughtly restores and empowers the weary beat of my heart,
Guiding my steps on paths lit bright by righteousness.
Though the trail may S-turn and wind
Through the valley where shadows linger (seemingly too) long,
I fear no darkness—for He is my armor and His nearness my Encouragement.
His rod and staff remain my steady song.
At His table, I chow down and feast. Satisfying!
While enemies look on in curious wonder;
He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup swells and overflows with joy.
I've got to say that suggesting that we believers are like sheep is not a compliment. Sheep have no claws fangs or means of defense and they are not smart. They really need their Shepherd every moment.
The devil (Mr. Lu-Cifer as I call that loser-dweeb) with his gang of weird thugs likes to attack believers. They seek to whisper into the ears of believers to put their skanky thoughts in minds ..if we allow them to. Don't allow.
Hey, don't give him a seat at your table. Don't allow him to enter the conversation. Don't for one second pay him any attention. Like David did, we stay focused on the Lord with His good thoughts (written in the Bible). That's right, you are the air traffic controller of your mind. You are the DJ of your set list -- it's to stay that way. Personal choices to follow the Shepherd matter!
His goodness and His mercy chase me down, they..
Pursue me like the pleasant glow of dawn chases night—and I will dwell
Forever in the home of my dear God, where agape love is never spent or Out.
* Who Holds My Life? The Shepherd-King Does!
It's a close "relationship thang" if you can imagine it! God is patient, but bids you enter in. No passage of Scripture has wrapped more weary hearts in the warmth of His comfort than David’s psalm of the Shepherd.
This ain't about mere theory—it is my testimony. He's loyal!
Here, an aging warrior-poet pulls back the curtain on his own lifelong walk with God from the gentle meadows to a throne. David sees the Lord not as a distant, cold deity, but as his passionate Shepherd, as his strong King, as his thoughtful Host—the One who has guided, guarded, and graced his days from youth to crown.
Three times David was anointed, and each time with more good responsibilities from the Lord who loves His people.
David’s opening cry—“The LORD is my Shepherd”—His, this isn’t a slogan; it’s a declaration of belonging in the fold. In the ancient Near East, “shepherd” was a king’s title, yet David lifts it up higher, to the King of kings. We're talking about the very muscular God. Yes, Him who carries the frail lambs in His masculine arms (Isa. 40:11) and who would one day stand in the flesh as the Messiah -- Christ.
Psalm 23: That's A Portrait of My (It's Personal) Shepherd-King
Psalm 23 stands as a timeless testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Through David's words, we believe and encounter the most vivid portrayal of the Lord as our Shepherd, King, and welcoming Host. Look closer. This psalm unfolds in three distinct movements:
I. The Shepherd-King's Care (Psalm 23:1–3)
David begins with a poignant, profound declaration: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This isn't merely a statement of basic provision but an acknowledgment of God's intimate care for every need (inside and out). As a shepherd knows each sheep well, so does the Lord know His people well, guiding each of them into green pastures and still waters as they follow.. while restoring their souls and leading them in paths of holy righteousness for His name's sake. He delights to make you into His effective Rep. He doesn't call the equipped, He equips those He calls to Himself.
II. The Shepherd-King's Protection (Psalm 23:4–5)
Even in and through the darkest valleys, David finds comfort in His vertical relationship with the Lord. "I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." The rod in Psalm 23 symbolizes God's authority and wise protection, while the staff represents His intricate forward guidance. Even in the presence of real enemies, God prepares a feasting table, anointing the believer's head with oil, signifying honor and blessing.
III. The Shepherd-King's Promise (Psalm 23:6)
David concludes with real assurance: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." What does this reflect? It reflects the eternal strong security and close fellowship that believers enjoy with God.
Is There A Wise Application for Today?
In a more divided world than ever.. in a world filled with uncertainty, Psalm 23 still offers profound comfort. Will you take hold of Jesus? Would you fellowship with the Father through the Son, and fellowship with those of His Body as well (yes, healthy local church-based, growing, reborn Christians)? He wants you to be apart, not away from.
The groom really loves His church (His bride, and so should we.. not more than we love Him though). This Psalm reminds us that God is not a distant deity but a personal Shepherd who really does feel for.. does care for His flock. As we navigate through life's challenges, we can trust the Shepherd's His guidance, protection, and promises.
I once remember the fascinating adventure stories of a young missionary in a faraway, remote Indian village. She wasn't merely went, she was a sent missionary. Facing isolation and cultural challenges with language barriers, she prayed daily and found intimate solace in Psalm 23. Each verse became a lifeline, reminding her of God's close empowering presence there, His daily aid, and His thoughtful provision. In moments of dark doubt and discouragement, she would recite out loud the verses of this wonderful psalm, finding renewed strength and purpose from the Word. You can do that! Do you, at times, get feeling kinda discouraged and SO alone, believer? Press in, press on, with the Shepherd!
Lord, since my teen years, You have been my Guide—SO GOOD!
I’ve never lacked or gone without Your personalized care. Perfect timing!
You know the deep hunger of my heart,
And meet me gently, tenderly, You're always there.
You lead me where the green grass grows--no fake astroturf,
Where quiet streams flow and can heal my soul;
You breathe new strength into my lungs, mind, and bones,
And set my broken spirit well and whole.
When dark and fearful roads appear before me,
I remember how I’ve never walked them alone--You've been faithful;
Your hand, Your voice, Your guarding rod—
They make the night feel safe, like home.
You spread a feast before my eyes,
Even with trials or trouble pressing near;
You pour Your anointed joy upon my head,
You pour out blessings in our direction until they overflow and spill clear.
Your thoughtful kindness follows all my steps of travel,
Through every valley (when the fruit grows), hill, and bend;
And when my journey here is done,
I’ll live close with You, my dearest of all Friends.
Well, Psalm 23 encapsulates the essence of God's intimate relationship with His children, and you too can be in His Family today if you want to be! People don't really join into His Church. ya gotta be born into His family.
David's Psalm 23 calls us to this caring Shepherd. Yes, to trusting in His shepherding care as well, to find peace that passes understanding, to enjoy provision, and His protection. It calls each of us to enter His rest with the full assurance of Salvation. Yep, with His eternal, unchanging Bible promises and grace. As we reflect on these truths, may our hearts be filled up to overflowing with gratitude, joy, praise, and unwavering faith in Jesus.
I just love how God paints us a picture of Himself through the Psalms!
Shield
3:3; 28:7; 119:114
Rock
18:2; 42:9; 95:1
King
5:2; 44:4; 74:12
Shepherd
23:1; 80:1
Judge
7:11
Refuge
46:1; 62:7
Fortress
31:3; 71:3
Avenger
26:1
Creator
8:1, 6
Deliverer
37:39, 40
Healer
30:2
Protector
5:11
Provider
78:23–29
Redeemer
107:2
Here's the psalm for the workplace (also extra biblical):
"The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
I serve Him while serving others. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to stop, pray and do all things without
murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that he is my Source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, texts, calls, system
crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, the drinking fountain gossiping of
co-workers, discriminating supervisors, and an aging body
that doesn't like to cooperate every morning, I still will not stop---
for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power
will see me through the day.
He raises me up with encouragement, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even if the company threatens
to let me go. His Faithfulness and love are better than any bonus
check.
His retirement plan just beats every stock option and 401k there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be working for the Great Shepherd a whole lot
longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!" I tweaked this last part a bit. Author anonymous
