One of the scriptures I’ve recently recited is Psalm 23, one of the most quoted and comforting texts in the Bible. Many of us have encountered reflections or meditations based on this passage at various services and events. This sacred scripture offers new insights when we meditate on it in our unique situations. Today, I’d like us to explore Who our Shepherd is, receive divine comforts and assurances from the Lord, and apply these lessons to our faith journey.
Before we proceed, let’s consider the author’s confession in this Psalm. Many of the Psalms are believed to have been written by King David. As the king of the United Kingdom of Israel, David was talented, famous, rich, and powerful. In the Book of Psalms, we often find David asking himself questions and then providing answers. One famous example is found in Psalm 121. David questions, “Where does my help come from?” and responds with the declaration: “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). He could have answered by pointing to his authority, possessions, wisdom, endurance, fame, or knowledge. Instead, he humbly and honestly confessed that his true help came from the LORD. In Psalm 23, when David reflected on why he lacked nothing – why he felt content – he proclaimed, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Once again, David did not mention any of the visible or invisible assets he had as a king. In both Psalms, he indicated that his satisfaction came from the LORD’s shepherdship. Interestingly, the word “LORD” is capitalized in these Psalms, emphasizing God as the Creator. Let’s begin this sermon with the assurances of the LORD, our Shepherd.
The LORD, as our Shepherd, promises to make us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside quiet waters. One notable characteristic of sheep is their poor eyesight, causing them to rely on a shepherd not only to find green pastures but also to locate sources of water. Like some animals, such as deer, which drink from still ponds, sheep need still water. Deer often drink while remaining vigilant, scanning their surroundings to protect themselves from potential threats. In contrast, sheep, with their poor eyesight and timid nature, find it challenging to locate and safely drink water on their own. They depend on a shepherd to provide this essential nourishment and ensure their safety. Our Shepherd also restores our souls and guides us along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Again, due to their poor vision, sheep are highly dependent on a guide. One of the dangers they face is that when a sheep falls, it struggles to get back up because of its heavy body and weak legs. If a sheep falls into a ditch or overturns and remains in that position, it could die within hours from dehydration or starvation. Sheep rely on their shepherd to rescue them from such dire situations. With the shepherd’s presence, protection and provision, the sheep can rest peacefully.
When I reflect on my journey, I often feel as if I am watching or participating in a highly intense live sport. From the beginning of the game to the end, I focus all my attention on each moment of the match. Sometimes I cheer myself and others on, while at other times, I fill anxious about what will happen next, especially when the game is neck-and-neck. I also experience frustration when it seems like my team might lose. Yet, when the game is over, I relish the victory and release all the built-up tension. Looking back, I often wonder about the unnecessary anxieties I felt during those moments. On the other hand, if I were to watch a recorded version of that game, already knowing the outcome, I would view it with a relaxed mindset, enjoying every part of it.
In the Bible, we are compared to sheep (Isaiah 53:6). The world we live in can sometimes feel like a rocky mountain or a desert due to the challenges we face. Have we ever felt that “no one knows what I’m going through”? Have we ever thought, “Nobody knows where I am or what I’m experiencing”? Because the Lord, the Creator God, is our Shepherd, we can find peace and enjoy the journey, no matter the difficulties we encounter. If we do not keep our eyes on the Lord, our Shepherd, who has already secured victory for us, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with tense and anxiety throughout our faith journey.
Have we ever heard the voice of our Shepherd, standing right behind us, gently touching our shoulder, and saying, “Relax, I am with you. Don’t rush ahead on your own. Wait for me to guide you. Take heart, for I have already won all the battles you are facing.” Today, the LORD, our Shepherd, invites all of us to come to Him just as we are, so that we may find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30) and continue our journey of faith with courage and confidence.
In the second half of this Psalm, David shifts the pronouns from third person, “He” or “His,” to second person, “You” or” Your.” This change signifies a deepening of David’s intimate fellowship with the Creator God, recognizing the LORD as his personal Shepherd.
Firstly, David acknowledges the LORD’s protection in his journey of faith. In verse 4, the rod and staff of a shepherd were tools used to protect sheep from danger. The valleys David refers to are real places in Israel – deep, steep, and very narrow canyons. At noon, the sun would be directly overhead in these valleys, and shepherds had to navigate carefully to find green pastures for their sheep. The goal was not to remain in the darkest part of the valley but to pass through it to reach better places. For the sheep, this was a time to trust in the shepherd’s protection during challenging periods.
Secondly, David highlights the LORD’s provision in his journey of faith. He experienced how the Shepherd prepared a table before him, even in the presence of his enemies. In David’s time, oil was used on sheep’s heads to repel insects, providing comfort and relief. The image of the overflowing cup represents God’s abundant blessings for those invited to His table. God’s table symbolizes His loving provision and a place of fellowship with Him as our Shepherd.
Thirdly, David declares the LORD’s presence in his journey of faith. One interesting aspect of his declaration is the verb “follow,” which means “to pursue” or “to chase after.” David experienced that God’s presence – primarily through His love and goodness – pursued him wherever he went, regardless of circumstances. From the moment he acknowledged the LORD as his Shepherd to the final day when he would be called to be with the LORD in Heaven, David placed his complete trust in God’s presence. This belief reflects why David saw the beginning of eternal life as starting in the present, not merely after death. For David, seeking God’s guidance was crucial throughout his journey, and he desired to always remain in God’s House.
Have we ever found ourselves in a situation similar to that of the people of Israel in our Old Testament reading? With the help of the Lord, Moses led them out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land. The Israelites were excited about their new life in the land God had promised. However, Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, changed his mind and decided not to let them go. With his horses, chariots, horsemen, and troops, he pursued the Israelites. When they saw Pharaoh and his soldiers advancing toward them, they were terrified, feeling trapped between the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind. There seemed to be no escape from their overwhelming surroundings. At times, many of us, including myself, identify with the Israelites, feeling caught between challenging circumstances with no clear way out.
How did the people of Israel respond to these obstacles? Their reaction can be viewed from two perspectives. On one hand, the Israelites complained not only to their leader, Moses, but also to the Lord about their challenges. They expressed their regrets, anxieties, fears, and worries about the uncertain future. On the other hand, they also turned to the Creator God and their Shepherd in their distress, crying out to Him in prayer. They poured out their honest feelings, praying, “Lord, we are about to die. We cannot overcome these difficulties on our own. Please help us and see the depths of our struggles.”
Friends, it is perfectly okay for us to share our heartaches with God, whether we do so in silence or through mourning. Our Good Shepherd hears our cries and sees our tears. How did God respond to the people of Israel? In our main text for today, God, through Moses, assured them with the statement, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). The phrase “being still” does not imply doing nothing or sitting quietly. Instead, it means focusing our eyes on the Lord – the Shepherd who is our Guide, Protector, and Provider – while continuing to move in the directions He sets.
God did not remove the Israelites from their difficult environment or make the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s armies disappear. Rather, He wanted the people of Israel to maintain their faith in Him despite the challenges and to move forward through the seemingly impossible situation. Trusting fully in the Merciful and Mighty God, Moses obeyed by raising his staff and stretching out his hand over the sea, causing the water to part. This allowed the people to walk through the sea on dry ground and personally experience the leading and deliverance of God.
In our Psalm for today, we encounter another profound moment of God’s presence, provision, and protection in our challenges. King David encourages us to memorize and recite this memorable text daily – before staring a new day, during various moments of our daily lives, and before going to bed. One powerful way to combat the influence of darkness is to read or recite the Word of God, declaring God’s promises either aloud or inwardly. Personally, I have experienced many benefits from proclaiming the LORD as my Shepherd, whether inwardly or outwardly. Regardless of how we choose to profess it, speaking God’s Promised Word is essential for experiencing His blessings.
Friends, who or what is the true help in our lives? What motivates us to move forward toward our God-given dreams? David’s secret to fulfilling his visions was his intimate relationship with the LORD, the Creator God. The Lord was David’s strength, salvation, and stronghold. In times of crisis, like David, when we call on the LORD and follow Him as our Shepherd with all our hearts, we can be confident that God’s protection, provision, and presence will accompany us through every journey, even the darkest valleys.
The good news is that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He knows what is best for us and will guide us on the finest path. At times, we may question where God is leading us, especially if the path seems different from what we expect or hope for. However, we must remember that our Lord Christ is the Alpha and the Omega – the Shepherd who knows all the paths we have travelled, from beginning to end. He shows us the greatest route and helps us achieve our God-given dreams and visions.
Once again, the LORD, the Creator God, is the Shepherd for each of us. With His creative power, unlimited wisdom, and eternal care and love, our Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures, leads us beside quiet waters, refreshes our souls, and guides us along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Let us come to Him and be led wholeheartedly in His direction moment by moment, so that we may experience all of God’s prosperity on our journey of faith. Let us cultivate an intimate fellowship with the Lord, our Shepherd. Remember, the Creator LORD God is not just our Shepherd but also “My Shepherd” and the Shepherd of our loved ones.
*I have been inspired by sermons based on the Scriptures:Exodus 14:1-22 & Psalm 23:1-6.