Shepherd Me O God

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted psalms, and for many very good reasons.  So often these familiar words remind us of God’s love for us, love which never wavers or falters.  Even when we are surrounded by everyday doubts and fears, we know that the Lord is near; guarding us from harm, always ready to guide us.

But what if our fear is bigger than the typical fear that comes with ordinary trials?  In my line of work, I meet many people every day.  Some have so much they do not know what to do with it all.  Some have nothing left but their dignity after a life of careful hard work.  Some have left homes and earthly possessions behind, seeking safety far from home.  Others are completely alone, having no one to help them to literally rise when they fall.  All are faced with fears and trials that have nothing to do with their financial status.  All are looking for peace and rest, and Psalm 23 gives voice to that search in a way that speaks to the core of what it means to be small, and human, and weak.  For as much as we clothe ourselves with money, dignity, cheerfulness, love and good works, there is still a part of us that feels small and helpless.  This is the part of our heart that is closest to God.

David’s love of God is also evident in every line as he recounts how God loved and guided him throughout the trials of his life.  David himself was a shepherd and knew how difficult it was to properly look after sheep, leading them to food and water, protecting them from wild beasts that could potentially kill the shepherd as well as the sheep.  Being a shepherd is dangerous work.  Did the seed of this song grow during David’s time in the mountains and caves as he hid from King Saul?  Did he feel like a shepherd again as he protected his new flock, Israel, from the surrounding nations that would have eaten her up if they could?  No one undergoes such trials and dangers unless they have great love for the people they are trying to protect.

Jesus too is a shepherd, our shepherd.  He willingly faced the wild beasts of sin and evil to protect His flock.  He even let Himself be put to death by them, in order to rise again and destroy the power of death forever.  We are all sheep of His flock, whether we are the lamb safe in His arms, or the stray in need of rescue.  He willingly faces danger for each one of us every day, helping us to battle the darkness and sin in our own lives.  We, the sheep, cannot defeat this darkness on our own any more than an actual sheep can fight a pack of wolves alone and win. 

We must allow the Divine Shepherd fight those battles in us and for us, as we surrender all to Him, even those things which we prefer to hide.  He is shepherd, warrior, defender.  He is also the restful waters beside which He leads us.  Come aside and rest in Him.

This Lent, spend some time in quiet, reflecting on this beautiful hymn praising God’s love and care for us.  How has Jesus protected you from danger?  When has he led you to still waters?  How has he fed you, anointed you with oil?  As you look back on your life and reflect, ask Jesus to show you how he has been your shepherd.  Then this Psalm will become your hymn of love and triumph in Christ too.