At one time, a number of years ago, I was experiencing depression. I borrowed a book on mental health that was written by a Christian for Christians. I do not remember the name of the book or the author, but I do remember that the author claimed he did not know anyone who faithfully meditated on Psalm 23 who continued to have problems with depression. He then gave a brief synopsis of what it means to shepherd sheep as an to aid in meditating on the Psalm. I cannot speak to whether or not he is correct that anyone who meditates on this chapter will be set free from depression (I’m sure there are a variety of factors linked to depression), but I do know that mine lifted. Another benefit for me was that I realized that a shepherd loves his flock because he cares for the individual sheep. This was important for me because previously when I read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,” I believed that God loved the world, so I got in on the deal. This Psalm made me rethink that and see that God loves the world because he loves the individuals who make up the world. A few years later I saw a book called A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (by Phillip Keller), I remembered how fruitful my earlier meditation on the Psalm had been. I snatched up the book and refreshed my mind with the blessings of having God as my shepherd.
I found learning about shepherding was more helpful to meditating on this Psalm than word studies or cross-references. Here are some concepts from the two books that aided my meditation on this passage:
- The Lord is my shepherd: how good a shepherd is at his job impacts every aspect of a sheep’s life. Our shepherd knows his job and knows his sheep. He does his job well.
- I shall not want: a combination of having needs met and being content with the care given. (A sheep that insists on wandering even when its needs are provided for may need to be butchered because of the bad influence on the rest of the flock—that was an unhappy thing to see.)
- Lying down in green pastures: a sheep is most quieted by the presence of the shepherd, and a sheep cannot ruminate well unless it is quiet. If the pastures are green, the shepherd has taken good care of his pastures; he has provided good food for his sheep.
- Beside quiet waters: one of the best sources of water for sheep is the dew-drenched grasses of early morning, so this is a good time to graze them. Additional sources of water must also be available. A shepherd needs to make certain there is clean water, as the sheep will otherwise drink filthy, contaminated water. He also needs to make sure the water supply is not from fast flowing sources, or the sheep may be swept off their feet (not in a romantic way!) A shepherd will sometimes dig to create a pool of quiet water from a fast flowing stream.
- He restores my soul: a sheep is “cast” when it is on its back and cannot get back up. If the shepherd does not find it and set it on its feet, the sheep will die. One way a sheep can become cast is when it seeks soft hollows to rest in. (I can find easy parallels in my life!) Another way is when the sheep have too much wool, especially if it is matted with mud, manure, burrs, or other debris. This is a problem the shepherd must deal with. The sheep cannot clean themselves up.
- Paths of righteousness (i.e. right paths): Pasture rotation is important for the health of both the sheep and the land. Left on their own, sheep overgraze their pasture and it can take a long time for the pasture to recover. The sheep are also more likely to become infested with parasites by staying in the same place too long. The shepherd keeps an eye on the condition of his sheep and his pasture, moving them as often as needed.
- The valley of the shadow of death: the valleys are the best route to the fresh pastures of higher ground used in the summer. This is where grass is best and water can be found. It provides the gentlest slopes. There are also dangers associated with valleys, and it is the shepherd’s job to protect the sheep from those dangers.
- Comfort from a rod and staff: the rod is used both to discipline the sheep and to protect the shepherd and his sheep. The staff is used to draw sheep together (or to the shepherd), to guide them, and to rescue them from situations where they cannot rescue themselves.
- The prepared table: a shepherd who cares about his sheep will remove toxic plants, add minerals to the soil as needed, clean water holes of debris and be alert to any signs of predators in the area.
- Anointing heads with oil: oil is mixed with other substances and applied to the heads of the sheep to protect them from pests and parasites. Greased heads also help rutting males to not kill or injure one another when fighting.
- Being followed by goodness and mercy: a mismanaged flock can ruin the land, but a well managed one benefits it greatly—even to the point of restoring ruined land. A flock of sheep has the potential to greatly bless the land.
- Dwelling in God’s house forever: this is the picture of sheep fully satisfied with the care of the shepherd and a shepherd who delights in his sheep.
I think it is especially beneficial to spend time meditating on this Psalm if you need to grow in understanding how much God loves you. A shepherd spends a great deal of time caring for his sheep and their pasture lands. It is good to remember God invests time in us, too. He looks after our welfare and is alert to what affects us. I hope you find the information on shepherding aids you in that mediation.