Psalm 23 - Part 1

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 18th January 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Psalm 23 Part 1 - Living Under the Shepherd’s Care

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture. Many of us memorized it as children. It is quoted at funerals, referenced in movies, and cherished across generations. Because of this familiarity, we sometimes miss its depth. What if we read it today as if for the very first time? What if we asked the Holy Spirit to reveal fresh truth through these timeless words?

David, the author of this psalm, understood both ends of life—he was a shepherd before becoming a king. From obscurity to abundance, his journey gives weight to every word he writes.

To gain a fuller picture, we read Psalm 23 from two translations: the ESV and The Passion Translation. Both emphasize the same powerful truth—God is not distant. He is close, personal, and actively leading us.

Verse 1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

This opening line sets the tone for our entire relationship with God. When David declares, “I shall not want,” he is not saying he will never face problems or decisions. He is describing the spiritual condition of someone who lives under God’s leadership.

Many of us believe we have circumstantial problems—financial stress, relationship issues, health struggles. But often, the deeper issue is lordship. When God is not truly leading us, fear and anxiety step in to take control.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our problems may feel big, but none of them impress the One who defeated death itself.

“I shall not want” is not a suggestion—it is a spiritual reality. When the Lord truly becomes your shepherd, fear, lack, and insecurity must bow.

The question is: Who is shepherding my life?
Is it fear? Stress? My own understanding? Or God?

Psalm 23 only works when God has authority—not just in our words, but in our obedience. Breakthrough lives in surrender, especially when following Him doesn’t make sense.

Verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

This verse is not just about physical rest. It is about divine alignment. Peace positions us to receive from God. Anxiety blocks provision, but rest opens the door for God to speak.

Have you noticed how attacks often come when you’re tired? That’s not random—it’s spiritual. When we allow the Shepherd to lead us into rest, we hear His voice more clearly. And His voice destroys curses, confusion, and fear.

We don’t accidentally stumble into green pastures. They are a destination we reach by following Him. Trying to find peace on our own will always fall short.

Sheep cannot drink from fast-flowing water. They are afraid and can even drown if their wool becomes waterlogged. So the shepherd leads them to still waters—safe places to be refreshed. In the same way, God leads us to places where we can truly receive from Him.

When we slow down, silence the noise, and rest in His presence, He speaks. And in that rest, answers come.

Verse 3: “He restores my soul.”

Restoration is not only emotional. It is financial, relational, and even generational. When Scripture speaks of the “soul,” it refers to our whole being—spirit, mind, body, and life systems.

So when God restores our soul, He restores everything.
He restores what fear delayed.
He restores what the enemy tried to bury.

But restoration has a pathway—righteousness.
Integrity.
Generosity.
Obedience.

Sometimes righteousness costs us. It may cost us money, favor, or opportunities. But we cannot ask God to break a curse while still agreeing with the lie that created it.

Conclusion

Psalm 23 begins with one foundational truth:
Everything in our lives flows from who is shepherding us.

When the Lord is truly our shepherd:

• Lack loses its voice
• Rest becomes possible
• Restoration begins

David teaches us that peace is not the absence of problems—it is the result of proper alignment. Being led instead of striving. Trusting instead of assuming.

Before we walk into the valley and the victory that follows, we must pause and examine:
Are we truly living under His leadership—or just using His name?

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.