Psalm 23 (Listen)
23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Devotional:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need (Psalm 23:1 CSB).
My guess is that most of us could list plenty of things we want, but like David here, we can say that we have all that we need – or in the classic translation of this passage, we shall not want.” David could say this because he recognized all that God does and the way He provides for him. How many specific things can you find in this Psalm that God does for David — and for us? Give thanks to God for the ways He shepherds us day by day.
Pray it: Father, help me to remember that you are my good shepherd and that you provide for all of my needs. May I remember that with you, I shall not be in want, but rather am led by you every step of my life. Amen.
Share it: Share a verse or thought from this passage with someone today.