Psalm 23 begins with a gentle promise: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” These simple words paint a peaceful picture. They remind us that God cares for His people the way a shepherd cares for sheep—watchful, patient, and protective.
Long ago, shepherds stayed close to their flocks. They led them to green grass and quiet streams. They guarded them from danger and searched for them when they wandered. Sheep depend fully on their shepherd. Without guidance, they can easily get lost. In the same way, we need direction and care in our daily lives.
When David wrote these words, he understood shepherding firsthand. Before he became king, he watched over sheep in open fields. He knew the responsibility and love required for that role. By calling the Lord his shepherd, he was saying, “God is the One who leads and provides for me.”
“I shall not want” does not mean we will have everything we desire. It means we will have what we truly need. God sees our needs more clearly than we do. He provides strength when we are tired, comfort when we are afraid, and hope when we feel uncertain.
Psalm 23:1 invites us to rest. If the Lord is our shepherd, we are never alone. We can trust Him to guide us, protect us, and gently lead us each step of the way.