He is “My Shepherd”
The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Psalm 23 reveals several names and aspects of God. This highlights many different facets of God's character and His relationship with believers.
Praying through Psalm 23, with the names of God, unveils the character of God in greater depth.
Contemplate each verse in prayer and ask God to reveal more of His character and how His many names apply to your life.
V 1. The LORD is my shepherd,
Jehovah-Raah (Rohi): the LORD my Shepherd. His presence will bring safety, comfort and protection.
I lack nothing.
Jehovah-Jireh: the LORD my Provider. Through faith and trust we know that God will fulfill his promises (Genesis 22:14). We have life to the full in Christ (John 10:10). We have every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
V 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
Jehovah-Shalom: the LORD my Peace. Inviting the Lord into our difficult circumstances (Judges 6:23-24) brings peace to our heart and mind as we rest in Him (Philippians 4:7).
V 3. He refreshes my soul.
Jehovah-Rophe or Rapha: the LORD my Healer. The Lord heals, physically and spiritually. He restores our soul (Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:5).
Jehovah-Shammah: The LORD is there. God's presence and comfort refreshes our soul (Ezekiel 48:35).
He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.
Jehovah-Tsidkenu: the LORD is our Righteousness. Jesus is our Saviour and brings us into a right standing with God (Jeremiah 33:15-16).
V 4. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Jehovah-Ezer: the LORD is my Help. Putting our hope and trust in the LORD brings help (Ezer) and protection (Psalm 33:20, 46:1, 63:7). His rod and staff brings discipline and direction.
V 5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Jehovah-Nissi: the LORD is my Banner. The cross of Christ brings victory in overcoming fear of our enemies (Exodus 17:10-13).
You anoint my head with oil;
Jehovah-M’Kaddesh: the LORD who sanctifies me.
Through Jesus, God brings us into His presence and we stand holy and blameless before Him (Colossians 1:22).
my cup overflows.
El Olam (the Everlasting God). The love of Jesus causes our cup to overflow with mercy and grace. This life is eternal.
Jehovah-Manah, God's abundant provision and portion allows our cups to overflow with blessings.
V 6. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Jehovah-Nachalah (Cheleq), the LORD my inheritance. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we now have access to His house forever (Psalm 16:5). God is our ultimate inheritance (Psalm 23:6).
- Graham Taylor