“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” That familiar verse took me by surprise. My pastor was doing a sermon on marriage when he began reciting Psalm 23 — not the typical passage you would expect. As he was reciting the Psalm from the slide on the projection screen, I noticed something I had never noticed before.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (vv. 1-3, ESV)

It was what followed that caught my attention for the first time. In verses 1-3, David is talking about God. In verses 4-5, he’s talking to God:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (vv. 4-5)

David was a shepherd who risked his life as he cared for the flock. When David told King Saul that he would fight Goliath, Saul was dismissive because of his youth. David replied, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:34-36)

David understood the responsibilities of a shepherd, and so he willingly placed himself under the authority of God knowing His shepherding care was unrivaled.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (v. 6)

So, Christian, let me ask you: Are you talking about God, or are you talking to God? It makes a difference. When you talk to God, He draws near to you (James 4:7). If you ask Him to shepherd you, He will lead you to green pastures and still waters. He will lead you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. If you are only talking about Him, let me encourage you to start talking to Him today. Make the Lord your Shepherd.

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!