Read Psalm 23

Psalm 23 begins not with a request, but with a quiet confidence: “The LORD is my shepherd.” With just five words, David anchors our attention on one of the most personal, comforting images in all of Scripture. God is not just a shepherd—He is my shepherd. This is the heart of a relationship, not religion. Before we can talk about still waters or green pastures, we must settle into the security of being known and loved by the One who leads us.

The image of a shepherd was deeply familiar in David’s time. Shepherds lived with their sheep. They knew each one by name, watched over them night and day, defended them from danger, and cared for their every need. When David calls the LORD his shepherd, he’s not describing a distant deity but a present protector. The God who created galaxies is also the One who notices when you feel afraid, hears when you pray in desperation, and comes close when you’re weary.

Jesus picks up this theme in John 10, declaring, “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” The good shepherd doesn’t just guide us—He lays down His life for us. In Christ, Psalm 23 becomes more than poetry. It becomes promise. God has not left you to navigate life on your own. You are not forgotten. You are not overlooked. You are known—by name—by the Shepherd who walks with you.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it mean to you that God is your shepherd?
• When have you experienced God’s personal care in your life?
• How do you typically respond when you feel spiritually “lost” or directionless?
• What are some lies you might be believing that this verse helps correct?

Journaling Prompt:

Describe a time when you felt God was especially close—like a shepherd guiding or protecting you.