In a world where almost every area of our lives is impacted by visuals, pictures and videos, we sometimes forget the art of seeing Word Pictures. They can be very powerful. Some people have the ability to craft images in other people’s minds through the use of their vocabulary. And David, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, did that in the 23^rd Psalm. As you read this Psalm today, do so one verse at a time. Then close your eyes and see the word pictures in your mind as you process the words.

Psalm 23 (ESV)
¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴ 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. ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I wish I could see the varied and unique pictures you saw. I’m going to share a bit about two of the main Word Pictures in this Psalm. God pictures Himself as a shepherd, and he pictures us as His sheep. And the two things go together:  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

When God describes Himself as a Shepherd, He is affirming that He will care for you in every aspect of your life. That is what a shepherd does – he takes care of the sheep. And he cares for them in every aspect, like a parent cares for a small child.

A few years back Cheryl agreed to keep our then two-and-a-half-year-old grandson for a week so our daughter and her husband could go on a Caribbean get-away. My darling bride agreed to do it but forgot that she had a Thursday through Sunday speaking engagement for LWML out of state that same week. That left Papa and Malachi alone. It just so happens this was the same time we were living in a 400 square foot trailer while our log home was being built. Thankfully, another daughter took pity on me and came to help out for part of the weekend. That experience reminded me of just how much care and attention a toddler demands.

Shepherds care for sheep like you would for a toddler. You make sure they have food and drink. You stay with them all the time, because if you leave them unattended, they will wander off and get into all kinds of trouble or danger. You protect them. You would give everything to protect them.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The Lord is indeed the Shepherd who would do whatever it takes for His sheep. He provides for our needs. He stays with us ALWAYS. He offers us protection. And He gave everything for you, laying down His life so that you could have forgiveness for your sins and the certainty of life everlasting.

God gives us a word picture of Himself in this Psalm, but He also gives us a word picture of US! We are His sheep. By describing us as sheep, He is reminding us just how much we need him. We need care, we need safety, we need protection. He knows how easily we can wander off, become lost and how easily we are frightened. By describing us as sheep, He is reminding us why we need Him as our Shepherd. And we know that we have Him as our Shepherd! We can be certain of protection, provision, and His ongoing presence.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.