This chapter provides an exposition of Psalm 23, challenging readers to truly believe its promises in all circumstances. It interprets each verse as an assurance that believers "shall not want" for various needs, including rest, refreshment, guidance, comfort, and provision. The author encourages unwavering trust in God as the Great Shepherd, who undertakes to see believers through all of life's trials and into eternity.
I do not need to comment very much on Psalms 23:0. Some one has said, “I believe Psalms 23:0 is the most loved Psalm of them all, and it is the one least believed.” Do you believe it? You love it, do you not? And you like to say,
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
But the next time that you are thrown out of a job are you going to say, “Oh dear, I don’t know what on earth I am going to do”? What was that about the Shepherd?
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
And when sickness and bereavement come, do you say, “Oh my, it is all up with me”? Is He no longer your Shepherd? Do you say these words over and yet not believe them?
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
I like the way the little girl put it when she got up to recite in Sunday school. She said,
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I should worry,”
and ran down to her seat. She meant, I shouldn’t worry. Oh yes, He who died for me lives for me and has promised to undertake.
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” I shall not want rest for,
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”
You would think that people would have sense enough to lie down when tired. The trouble with a lot of people is that they keep running until they have nervous breakdowns. Jesus says, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
I shall not want refreshment for
“He leadeth me beside the still waters.”
I shall not want restoration,
“He restoreth my soul.”
I shall not want guidance for
“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
I shall not want companionship in the hour of trial, in the time when the dark, dark shadows of death fall athwart my path for,
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.”
I shall not want comfort for
“Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
I shall not want provision,
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”
I shall not want unction for
“Thou anointest my head with oil.”
I shall not want satisfaction,
“My cup runneth over.”
I shall not want goodness or mercy for
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
And I shall not want a home at last for
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Do you believe it? Then do not ever go around with your head hanging down any more. If all these things are true, why should our hearts be bowed down like a bulrush? The Great Shepherd has undertaken to see us through.