By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Psalm 23:1-6

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

David knew firsthand what it was for a shepherd to protect and provide for sheep, so he describes his relationship to God in those terms.

The Rev. Ron Purkey

What David had been for his sheep, God had been to him. God was David’s personal shepherd. He calls him “my shepherd.” As a result, David confidently confesses, I have what I need. Because God had covered all of David’s needs, he recognized that he lacked nothing.

First, God met David’s spiritual needs. Just as a shepherd gives sheep rest in green pastures and refreshes them with quiet waters (verse:2), so God had done spiritually to David. The cares and struggles of this world can leave us exhausted. Such times are opportunities to learn our dependence on the Lord. He provides spiritual refreshment and restoration. He renews our life (verse 3).

Second, God met David’s directional needs. He leads us along the right paths (verse 3). Through his word and his Spirit, God leads us along the right paths in life — and reroutes us when we foolishly become wayward. Why? For his name’s sake (verse 3) — that is, so that others can hear us say, “My God has brought me here.”

Third, God met David’s emotional needs. Regardless of the danger surrounding them, sheep can follow their shepherd without fear. He provides comfort with his rod (used to beat wild animals that attack the sheep) and his staff (used to guide the sheep and pull them back from harm). When life takes you through the darkest valley, receive consolation knowing that your divine shepherd has power in one hand and grace in the other.

Fourth, God met David’s physical needs. Though enemies hovered near, God fed him when he hungered and anointed him with oil when he needed healing. Like David, we must recognize that we have one source. There are many resources — many channels God may use to provide and care for your physical well-being —but you have only one source. And God never runs dry. That’s why David’s cup overflowed (verse 5).

Fifth, God met David’s eternal needs. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue you all the days of your life. Shepherds often have sheep dogs that keep the sheep from wandering. The divine shepherd has two sheepdogs named “goodness” and “faithful love.” Sometimes, they bark and nip at you when you wander from the fold (verse 6). But, they do so with the intent of driving you back into fellowship with your shepherd, so that you may eternally dwell in the house of the Lord.

Submit to “the great shepherd of the sheep,” Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:20) He lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11), and through his wounds, we are healed (1 Peter 2:24). If you have gone astray, return to him (1 Peter 2:25), because he knows his sheep, and they know him (John 10:14). He will welcome you.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.