Which psalm begins with "The Lord is my shepherd"?

The Answer

Psalm 23, written by David, is perhaps the most beloved psalm in the Bible. As a former shepherd himself, David understood the tender care a shepherd provides and used that image to describe God's relationship with His people.

David did not say "The Lord is my commander" or "my employer" or "my teacher." He said "my shepherd." A shepherd does not drive sheep from behind — he leads them from the front. He walks ahead into the danger, the unknown, the dark valley, so the sheep never walk alone.

Notice the intimacy of this psalm. He makes me lie down. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. These are not the actions of a distant authority. They are the actions of someone who knows you are tired, knows you are thirsty, and tenderly leads you to exactly what you need.

If you are weary today, stop striving for a moment. Let the Shepherd lead. He knows the green pastures you need, even when you have forgotten what rest looks like.