A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
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.
Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1 NIV
Another name of God in the Bible is “Yahweh Raah” which David used in Psalm 23:1. David, a shepherd himself, realized that God is like a shepherd who meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. And more than just meeting the needs of His people, He protects them from potential predators or harm. Thus, with God as our Shepherd, we can be secured.
Not only does God gives us security, but He also comforts us. An extend translation of this word, rea’, is “friend” or “companion.” God is not distant but intimately concerned with us. He establishes relationships with us. Looking at this context, it can be translated as “The Lord, my Friend.”
Our Shepherd doesn’t just guide us and give us what we need. He journeys with us like a friend.