Are you tired? There is someone who offers rest, but not any rest, but a true one, the one that the human being needs, and is called God, who is not busy enough not to attend your prayers. He is the good shepherd, and if we trust Him, then we will have peace.
Psalm 23 is a well-known song, possibly even many non-Christian people know that it says “The Lord is my shepherd,” at least that part. And in the churches, well, come on, I think we mostly recite it by heart.
Now, that it is a Psalm so well known and cited, means that they are truly deep words and that they fill and give hope to our soul. Think for a moment about David, for the moment that perhaps he was happening, and in that difficult moment he could say:
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is our good shepherd and when we are tired of the storm, dejected, afflicted, when we are in those moments from which we think we will not leave, just there He will make us rest, and beside the still waters he will shepherd us.
This Psalm shows us a God who is not distant, but close, attentive, and deeply involved in the life of His children. The image of a shepherd is not casual; in biblical times, a shepherd lived with his sheep, protected them from danger, guided them when they were lost, and cared for them even when they were weak or injured. David knew this image very well, because before being king, he himself was a shepherd. That is why his words are not poetic exaggerations, but living experiences with God.
When David says, “I shall not want,” he is not saying that he will never face difficulties, but that nothing essential will be lacking in his life. God provides what the soul truly needs: guidance, restoration, peace, and hope. Green pastures and still waters represent moments of rest and renewal that only God can give, especially when life becomes overwhelming and the burdens seem too heavy to carry.
One of the most powerful verses of this Psalm is when David speaks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Notice that he does not say he will avoid the valley, but that even there he will not fear, because God is with him. This teaches us that faith does not eliminate trials, but it gives us the assurance that we are never alone in them. God’s presence becomes our comfort and strength in the darkest moments.
The Psalm ends with a promise full of hope: goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life. This means that God’s grace is constant, persistent, and faithful. Even when we fail or feel weak, His mercy does not abandon us. Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is not only a future hope, but also a present reality for those who live trusting in Him day by day.
Psalm 23 invites us to trust completely in God as our shepherd. If today you feel tired, lost, or overwhelmed, remember that He is ready to guide you, restore your soul, and give you the true rest that only He can provide.