Recently, I led an interesting discussion on our online interfaith forum. One new member who was a Christian convert was curious to know which Psalm the phrase, “The Lord is my shepherd” came from and what it meant.
I have recited this Psalm since childhood, so I was very familiar with what it meant. Using my extensive knowledge and understanding of the Bible, I was able to answer all the questions he asked.
After the forum, I thought of writing this article to help others with similar questions.
So, what Psalm is the Lord is my shepherd?
The Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd,” is from Psalm 23:1. This passage teaches that the followers of Christ will never lose anything because Jesus is their guide. It is written by David, a shepherd boy taking care of his father’s sheep, later known as the Shepherd King of Israel.
Join me in this article as we delve into the Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd.” We will learn its meaning, why it is important to Christians, and more, so read until the end.
What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)
The Lord is My Shepherd shows a more devoted and close relationship between the Lord and his people. A shepherd stewards and knows each of his sheep.
In the parable of the Lost sheep, which Jesus used in Luke 15:4, we learn that if a shepherd with one hundred sheep lost one of the sheep, he would leave the ninety-nine sheep to go after that one sheep that got lost: “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
Therefore, this scripture teaches that just like the shepherd, God also cares for every person on earth because we are all his sheep.
He knows each of us from when we are born to when we die.
Why is the phrase important to Christians?
The phrase is important to Christians because it reminds them to follow their shepherd, God because He provides all their needs.
Psalm 23 uses the analogy of a shepherd to describe God and that of sheep and their nature to describe Christians. Just like sheep wander and get lost, Christians also get lost and go astray as mentioned in Romans 7:5: “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Christians follow the desires of the flesh and pursue the pride of life. However, just like a shepherd can never neglect their lost sheep, God will not abandon you even when you go astray.
That is why when man sinned and broke his relationship with God, God sent his only son to die for man’s sins. Through Jesus Christ, God made salvation possible for his sheep.
Also, just like a shepherd provides food to his sheep, protects them, and even shelters them, God does the same for Christians.
This passage tells us that God, the shepherd, meets all Christians’ needs, the sheep. Therefore, Christians should follow God as their shepherd to receive everything they need.
The Lord Is My Shepherd Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you, for I know you are my shepherd and all I need in life. You provide me with everything I need and grant all my heart desires.
May your will happen in my life.
May you help me to follow you always and never neglect your ways. Thank you, Jesus, for you have never abandoned me. Amen. – Inspired by Scott Smith.
As a theologian, I have always been curious to learn more about the Christian Faith. That is why I pursued a Certificate in Christian Studies, Certificate in Christian Foundations and a Masters in Theology. I also have an immersive experience in editing for numerous websites. I have worked as an editor for over a decade and am currently the editor-in-chief at Christian Faith Guide. I enjoy working as an editor and feel privileged to share my expertise and help spread God’s word. You can read more about me on the about us page.
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