The bible describes God as our Rock, Deliverer, Provider, Sustainer, Lord, Father, Savior, Redeemer, Refuge, Strength, Protector, and more. These descriptions and attributes of God connect to the idea that the Lord is our Shepherd. He takes care of us as we meander through this life. God’s ultimate aim as our Shepherd is to lead us to heaven.
A.W. Tozer is quoted as saying, “What I believe about God is the most important thing about me”. How we view God as God, what we believe about God’s nature, and how we interpret God’s involvement in our life events (good or bad) are of the utmost importance.
David knew by faith God was with him, taking care of him – even in the valley of the shadow of death. Notice, David did not expect God to keep him out of the valley of death, but to be there with him. It is extremely important that we accurately see the Lord for who He is – our Shepherd.
Read Psalm 23 and listen to a different musical rendition of Psalm 23 by A Girl Named Tom.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.