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Psalm 23:1
Trust and Provision
Psalm 23:1
Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
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Why it is worth knowing
- God is personally shepherding those who belong to him
- “I shall lack nothing” is a declaration of trust, not a description of ease
- A shepherd provides, guides, protects, and restores
- David wrote from experience: he knew both sheep and hardship
Where it sits: Psalm 23:1-6
Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
Hear the passage it sits in, sung word for word, on BibleDo's Psalms page.
Background
Written by King David, who spent his early years as a shepherd in the fields of Bethlehem before becoming king. The psalm moves from tender images of rest and provision to walking through the valley of death, and ends with a table prepared in the presence of enemies. It is a full picture of life with God, not a life without hardship, but one accompanied through every part of it.