If we look at the 23rd Psalm as a way of looking at God, it changes the way that we live for God. The first verse establishes a relationship with God. He is MY shepherd, not a shepherd. He is not only THE shepherd, but he is MY shepherd. Continuing to look at the 23rd Psalm, Bro. Hughes explains that these short six verses require close analysis. This is not a race, but a leisurely stroll. We need to take time to go slowly and let it be absorbed. Being able to know and quote the 23rd Psalm is not the same as understanding it.
The 23rd Psalm is timeless. It is a comfort to all who hear it. There is no problem that this Psalm that has not seen, there is no hurt that this Psalm has not felt, there is not one mystery in life that this Psalm has not solved.
This Psalm was written by an old man who had returned to the place of his youth. He had grown up to be king of Israel, but David had once been a shepherd. Now reflecting upon his life, he realized something, and wrote the words of the 23rd Psalm.
As a shepherd, he realized that the sheep are his. Because they are his, he leads them to green pasture. He does not worry about other flocks; he is concerned with HIS sheep. By leading them to green pasture, he was taking them to a place where they felt comfortable to lay down and rest, and feed. When a sheep is feeding, his head is down and not paying attention. The shepherd is responsible for protecting them from danger.
The shepherd knows all the sheep individually by name. They had names because they have value. We do not name things that do not have value to us. God know our names; each and everyone one of us.
The shepherd knows the personalities and fears of each of us. The scripture tells us that He leads me by the still water. Sheep fear quickly moving water. The shepherd would even go so far as to dam up swiftly moving creeks to create a still pool that would allow the sheep to drink easily. Because He knows our fears, He will create an atmosphere that will calm those fears and cause us to be at ease.
Reading the 23rd Psalm and think of God as MY shepherd will change everything. Because He is MY shepherd, He will provide, protect, look after and love me.