2025 Psalm Session 11 God's Care in Psalm 23

Pastor Randall dives into Psalm 23 with 5 key observations about God's Care. Psalm 23 is a very familiar psalm to many. In one sense, this familiarity is a good thing. In another sense, such familiarity may result in a failure to carefully examine and appreciate the gold mine that is Psalm 23.

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 23
1. Psalm 23:1 “Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”
This opening declaration expresses personal trust in God’s provision and leadership. Protestant commentators like Charles Spurgeon emphasize the deep intimacy in the phrase “Adonai is my shepherd.” It’s not just about what God gives, but who He is to the believer. Spurgeon notes: “The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, ‘my.’ He does not say ‘The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large,’ but ‘MY shepherd.’” John Stott adds that this verse anchors our identity and security in the covenantal faithfulness of God. Jesus embodies this psalm, making the metaphor incarnational—God is not only a shepherd in theory but in person.
Read: John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

2. Psalm 23:2 “He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water.”
This verse portrays rest and peace, not as the absence of difficulty, but as the presence of divine guidance. Matthew Henry sees this as symbolic of the spiritual nourishment the believer finds in God's Word and worship. The imagery of still waters and green pastures reflects a soul at peace under God’s care. Tim Keller notes in “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” that sheep only lie down when they feel completely safe, fed, and free from fear—this is what God provides for His people. Jesus extends the same pastoral invitation to the weary soul.
Read: Matthew 11:28–29 – “Come to me, all of you who are struggling... and I will give you rest.”

3. Psalm 23:3 “He restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.”
Restoration and righteousness are key themes here. John Calvin interprets this verse as pointing to the renewing power of God’s grace and His commitment to sanctify His people for His glory. The "right paths" are not only morally upright, but those that align us with His redemptive purpose. D.A. Carson emphasizes that this guidance is not based on our merit but “for His name’s sake”—God is faithful to His promises. God's shepherding includes guiding us on the path of spiritual maturity.
Read: Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...”

4. Psalm 23: “Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.”
This verse speaks to God's presence in suffering. Martin Luther saw this as evidence of God’s nearness in the believer’s trials. The shift from “He” to “You” in this verse marks an intensified closeness—God is not just a guide, but a companion in the valley. Spurgeon wrote, “It is not ‘the valley of death’ but ‘the valley of the shadow of death,’ for death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains.” God’s reassuring presence is unbroken, even in the darkest moments.
Read: Romans 8:38–39 – “Nothing... will be able to separate us from the love of God...”

5. Psalm 23:5–6 “You prepare a table for me, even as my enemies watch; you anoint my head with oil from an overflowing cup. Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life; and I will live in the house of Adonai for years and years to come.”
The final image shifts from the pasture to the palace. God is not just a shepherd, but a generous host. Protestant theologians like Matthew Henry and John Stott interpret the table and overflowing cup as symbols of God’s abundant grace—even amid opposition.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me” (CJB: “pursue me”) portrays grace as relentless. Spurgeon described this as “two angels of God always following the believer: Goodness to provide, and Mercy to pardon.” The eternal dwelling with God in Psalm 23 culminates in New Testament fulfillment.
Read: Revelation 7:17 – “The Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them... and God will wipe away every tear.”

Summary Thoughts: Psalm 23
God knows and cares for all our needs so we can choose faith over fear. We can always relay on God’s goodness and love.