When I read Psalm 23, I am reminded of some of the truths Jesus shared with His disciples:

• I am the good shepherd.
• I give my life for the sheep.
• I am the door and the sheep must enter in through me.

These are truths of a personal nature.  Jesus emphasized this by the use of the pronoun “I.”  The same emphasis is seen in Psalm 23:  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

Look at the emphasis I have placed on the preceding words.  It is very evident that the work is being done by the shepherd for the benefit of the sheep.  This brings me to one of the key principles of this Psalm:  The shepherd is to lead and the sheep are to follow him into the green pastures.

When we follow the Shepherd, He nourishes our soul and spirit:  You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).  If your life is more turmoil than it is peace, consider investigating the love of the Shepherd for His sheep.  You may find that He is the missing peace to your life’s puzzle.

Here’s a thought to keep you thinking:  Sheep have a tendency to wander, and get lost. As sheep of His pasture, we need to pause and wonder in His goodness and find his love (Psalm 100).