Psalm 23 is a short, well-known psalm of comfort and not a traditional lament psalm. No specific fear-provoking situation prompted this psalm, but you can trace the roots of our common anxieties. How will my needs in life be met? (vs. 1) What is God’s plan for my life? (vs. 2) What will I do if I must face death? (vs. 4) Who will rescue me from enemies? (vs. 5)
David identifies each of these fears, but he also highlights the character of God in the familiar word picture of a caring shepherd, painting the entire scene with an overriding brush stroke of peace amid danger. Without the shepherd, the sheep is defenseless and faces thirst, starvation, losing his way, enemies, pestilence, and even death. There is every reason to fear, but because of the shepherd’s care, the sheep is at peace. Sheep are fearful animals. They are even afraid of running water, which is why they will only drink when the shepherd finds them a still pool. They are prone to parasites on their sensitive heads, so the shepherd places oil on their heads to protect them. Similarly, God anoints us with the oil of the Holy Spirit to protect our minds.
Throughout the psalm, David acknowledges God the Shepherd’s protection that leads to peace. In every line, the honest expressions of fear are met with the peace of knowing God the Shepherd is good and is in complete control.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39
Pause to pray through your fears: Pray Psalm 23 using your name in the place of “I” or “me.”
As soon as you wake in the morning, say Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” As fears arise in your day, repeat this promise and remember God as your Good Shepherd. Add Romans 8:38-39
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