Psalm 23 is a well known passage from the Scriptures, maybe the most well known, but one of the least understood. “The Lord is my Shepherd.” How casually we read that first phrase without even stopping to recognize the identity of the Shepherd....not just any being, but the Lord Himself, Jehovah.

“I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” We read these lines and think “Ah, peace...,” yet the second part of verse 3 is the context for this peace: “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” A beautiful verse in Isaiah tells us “...the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” The Shepherd leads His sheep in the paths of righteousness that result in true peace. That peace is not limited to or found in a perfect location or circumstance, but is present in a dark valley or green pastures. Sometimes God permits the path to go through the “valley of the shadow of death” because it is the quickest way to righteousness. The Shepherd knows where the still waters and green pastures are.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” Notice in verse 4 the narrative changes. Instead of talking about the Shepherd, the psalmist is now talking to his Shepherd. He is not alone, but his Shepherd is with him; therefore, he has nothing to fear. The rod spoken of was a three foot club used for protecting the sheep from predators. The staff was longer and had a hook at the end that was used to correct and guide the sheep when they strayed off the path. The Shepherd’s presence, rod, and staff are still sources of comfort for His lambs.

Our favorite line of this song is, “No more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.” No longer is the believer an enemy of God, nor a welcomed acquaintance into the house of God, but is God’s precious child at home in His presence. What a time we live in...but oh, what a Shepherd God’s child has in these times.

“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” is part of a compilation of hymns you can find on our newest album, “God of the Mountain,” that was inspired by the life of Moses and culminates with the life of Jesus Christ. The hard copy can be purchased at www.roserockdaughters.com or Uptown MarketPlace in Weatherford, OK and it is available on iTunes and other streaming services.

Psalm 23 paraphrase by Isaac Watts
Arranged by Bill Wolaver

Director: Alex Wolaver
Director of Photography: Luke Taylor
Editing: Luke Taylor
Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe: Berklee Wolaver

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