My Shepherd
* Psalm 23 is attributed to David. The psalm begins "The LORD is my shepherd." The shepherd metaphor was widely used, and David himself was an actual shepherd. Read Psalm 23.

* In this psalm, the shepherd metaphor is used in a very personal way. "The LORD is my shepherd." David is a "sheep" under the care of the LORD (the shepherd). The sheep metaphor can be extended to all people, because every person is "like a sheep," and every person needs a shepherd (Isaiah 53:6, Matthew 9:36).

1. In verses 1-3, what does the shepherd do for his sheep? How does this apply to God's "sheep" today?

2. How does the LORD "guide me in paths of righteousness?"

Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long" (Psalm 25:4-5, NIV).

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

* On the way to green pastures, the right paths may go through deep canyons or dark valleys, which can be very difficult and dangerous. "The valley of the shadow of death" represents difficulty, darkness, danger, and even death (v. 4).

3. However, even in "the valley of the shadow of death," the psalmist says he will not fear (v. 4). Why does he feel this way? How does this apply to God's "sheep" today?

The Host
* In verses 5-6, the image changes. The shepherd is now a host, and the sheep is now a guest at his table. "To sit at [the LORD's] table is to enjoy fellowship and communion with him. To do so 'in the presence of my enemies' is to have one's special relationship with God declared publicly in a context of divine blessing and security."

* The faithful follower not only dines at the LORD's table, but will "dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (v. 6). To dwell in the LORD's house is to consciously live in his presence.

"One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple" (Psalm 27:4, NIV).

4. How can we consciously live in the LORD's presence all the days of our lives?

The Good Shepherd
* In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the Shepherd. He says, "I am the good shepherd …who lays down his life for the sheep…I lay down my life - only to take it up again" (John 10:11, 12). It is through faith in the risen Jesus that we experience the blessings of Psalm 23.

Reflection/Application
† Do you agree that you are like a sheep in need of a shepherd? If not, humbly consider that possibility! And remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who wants you to follow him.

† As a Christian, do you truly trust in the Shepherd's care, even in dark valleys? Are you going astray in any way? This week, prayerfully read Psalms 23-27 and commit to follow the Lord.