Understanding the 23^rd Psalm….

I clearly recall as a child learning the 23^rd Psalm in Sunday School, as well as having it reinforced at home.

Psalm 23 (New King James Version)

23 The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, 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 runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

I remember being confused by the first verse:

23 The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

I would scratch my head…confused...

I would ask, “If the Lord is my shepherd, why don’t I want him?” J 

The rest of the chapter seemed to indicate that he did great things for me.

Why would I not want him?? 

A shepherd is defined as: “1.One who herds, guards, and tends sheep.  2. One who cares for and guides a group of people, as a minister or teacher.” (www.freedictionary.com)

I took me awhile to understand that because HE is my shepherd, I don’t WANT for anything.

Awwwh….now it makes sense…I am relieved... J