Who Is Your Shepherd? Finding True Security in Life’s Storms – Psalm 23 Part 1

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most familiar passage in all of Scripture. Most people can recite at least the opening line: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Yet familiarity can sometimes breed complacency, causing us to miss the profound truth contained in these ancient words.

When Life Strips Away Our False Shepherds

David, the author of Psalm 23, was no ordinary man. He was a king, a warrior who defeated Goliath, and someone who fought lions and bears to protect his sheep. By worldly standards, David was the epitome of strength and success. Yet this powerful man declared, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

This raises a crucial question: Do you need a shepherd?

Everyone Has a Shepherd

Whether we realize it or not, everyone places their trust somewhere. Everyone has a “shepherd” – something or someone they depend on for security, guidance, and provision.

For some people, money is their shepherd. Their psalm reads: “Money is my shepherd, and I shall not get enough.” They spend their lives pursuing financial security, believing that enough money will make them safe. But money is a cruel shepherd – it comes and goes, and bills keep coming.

Others make pleasure their shepherd: “Pleasure is my shepherd, I shall never cease to want.” They jump from one experience to another, trying to fill a void that can never be satisfied through temporary pleasures.

Some choose work as their shepherd: “Work is my shepherd, and I will never achieve enough.” They believe the next promotion or achievement will finally bring satisfaction, but it never does.

When Our False Shepherds Fail

The problem with these false shepherds becomes apparent when life hits hard. Health crises, job loss, financial struggles, or family problems can strip away everything we thought we could depend on in an instant.

Many people discover too late that their strength, health, or achievements cannot carry them through life’s deepest valleys. Like sheep without a shepherd, they find themselves defenseless, without nourishment, peace, or protection when they need it most.

The Sheep’s Problem: We All Go Astray

The Bible contains over 500 references to sheep, and the comparison is not flattering. Sheep are valuable but also known for being defenseless and prone to wandering. They cannot fight for themselves, cannot adequately feed themselves, and if left alone, will simply die.

Why Sheep Wander

Sheep have three main problems that mirror our spiritual condition:

Lack of devotion – They follow their desires instead of the shepherd, pursuing whatever catches their attention in the moment.

Lack of discipline – They get distracted easily, wandering off down any path that looks interesting.

Lack of discretion – They pay no attention to danger, eating carelessly while predators approach.

The Gradual Drift

Sheep don’t usually run away all at once. They wander gradually. On day one, they can still see the shepherd – no problem. Day two, still fine. But after weeks of slowly drifting, they suddenly realize they can no longer see their protector. They hear the wolves, see the dangerous terrain, and panic sets in.

We do the same thing spiritually. We think we can handle a little distance from God. We skip church for a week, then a month, then years. We gradually drift from prayer and Bible reading. Then life hits hard, and we look around wondering, “Where is God? How do I get through this?”

The Shepherd’s Heart: He Comes After the Lost

Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who had 100 sheep but lost one. Rather than being content with the 99, the shepherd left them to search for the one that was lost. When he found it, he didn’t scold it or make it walk back in shame. Instead, he joyfully placed it on his shoulders and carried it home.

What Makes Jesus Different

This is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions. In false religions, you must pursue and try to appease a distant deity. But in Christianity, Christ pursued us. He left heaven, lived a sinless life, and died in our place. The Good Shepherd gave His life for the sheep.

When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, it’s exhausted from wandering, filled with anxiety and fear. But instead of punishment, the shepherd provides comfort and carries the burden. He says, “Don’t worry, your shepherd is here. Everything is under control.”

The Lord Is MY Shepherd

David’s declaration contains three crucial elements:

“The Lord”

David used the name Jehovah, meaning “the one who was, is, and is to come.” This isn’t just any shepherd – this is the eternal, all-powerful, faithful God who made a covenant to care for His people.

“Is”

Not “was” but “is” – present tense. This shepherd is actively involved in our lives right now. He’s not a distant memory or future hope, but a present reality.

“My”

This is personal. David couldn’t rely on his father Jesse’s faith or anyone else’s relationship with God. It had to be his own. You can’t ride on someone else’s religion when life crashes down. Grandma’s faith won’t carry you through your crisis – it must be your own personal relationship with the Shepherd.

“I Shall Not Want” – The Shepherd’s Provision

When David says “I shall not want,” he means “I shall not lack.” The Shepherd provides everything we truly need – not everything we want, but everything we need.

Sometimes God says “no” or “wait” to our requests because He knows what’s best for us. Looking back, we can often see prayers we’re grateful God didn’t answer the way we wanted.

The Shepherd provides:

• Nourishment for our souls

• Refreshment in difficult times

• Rest from anxiety and fear

• Protection from spiritual enemies

• Guidance for life’s decisions

• An eternal home in heaven

 

Life Application

Choose Your Shepherd Wisely

This week, honestly evaluate where you’re placing your trust and security. Are you depending on your job, health, relationships, or achievements to carry you through life? These false shepherds will ultimately fail you.

If you’ve never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, choose the true Shepherd today. He has already given His life for you and offers eternal security that no circumstance can take away.

If you’re already a believer but have drifted from close fellowship with the Shepherd, remember that He’s still pursuing you. He wants to carry your burdens and provide the peace, guidance, and protection you need.

Questions for Reflection

• When life gets difficult, what or whom do I instinctively turn to for help and security?

• Am I trying to handle my current struggles in my own strength, or am I allowing the Shepherd to carry me?

• If I’m a parent, what example am I setting for my children about who to trust when life gets hard?

• How can I cultivate a closer, more personal relationship with Jesus as my Shepherd this week?

 

The Lord wants to be your Shepherd, but like David, you must personally declare: “The Lord is MY shepherd.” In a world full of uncertainty and false securities, there is only one Shepherd who will never fail you, never leave you, and never let you down. Choose Him today.