If you're familiar with a psalm of Scripture, Psalm 23 is likely the one.
There's something about the serene pastoral imagery, the numerous actions of the Shepherd, and the reality of the valley of deep darkness that strike a chord within our souls. We've all walked through them, learning to depend on him.
The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion and Host by David Gibson takes us verse by verse through this psalm to help us know the Good Shepherd better in his care, leadership, protection and welcome.
The Lord of Psalm 23 | Book Review
Content
My Take: The Good Shepherd Leads Me
Content
Purpose of the Book
The author’s aim is to take us through the imagery and themes of Psalm 23 to help us grasp the awesome reality of Christ’s powerful and tender care for his sheep.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part One: The Sheep and the Shepherd
Chapter 1: Who He Is
Chapter 2: What He Provides
Chapter 3: Where He Leads
Part Two: The Traveler and the Companion
Chapter 4: How He Leads
Chapter 5: Where He Is
Chapter 6: What He Holds
Part Three: The Guest and the Host
Chapter 7: How He Welcomes
Chapter 8: What He Sends
Chapter 9: Where He Invites
Summary
The book is written in 3 sections, according to the title’s byline and the outline of the Psalm. We’re first introduced to Christ as the Shepherd, his identity, his gifts and his guidance in verses 1-3. Next, we explore Christ as a companion as the psalmist describes the valley in verses 4-6. Last we see Christ as host, through verses 5-6 and his welcome and invitation.
My Take: The Good Shepherd Leads Me
David doesn’t call it the “valley of the shadow of death” for no reason. It’s a place encompassed by deep darkness, acute pain and uncertainty. Those seasons come upon us unexpecting.
Often we try to feel our way out, desperate for a different place to travel. We feel unsafe and afraid—scared of the pain of suffering.
When we faced a medical team telling us things weren’t looking up for our daughter, we felt gut-wrenching hurt. Looking into the eyes of believers in conflict we experienced uncertainty and fears of how things would work out. Navigating transitions while both grieving and hoping left me unsure and hesitant.
The valleys of those seasons are seared in my memory, laden with emotion.
"For if God is not in charge of the valley, how do you know he can get you through it?"
I remember how helpless I felt to change anything. There is no other way to navigate the valley than to follow the Shepherd, to be still and hear his voice showing me the way. To cling to the belief that the Shepherd knows the way, he is not lost, but he is with me, in all his strength and protection.
We are his sheep, we know his voice and we follow him (Jn.10:27). The truth of God's sovereignty over every situation and circumstance gives us the courage to persevere because we believe he is working all things for good—not necessarily for us to feel good.
So, be encouraged on your journey, that the Good Shepherd cares for you and he's leading you to places of rest and provision found in him alone. And when the darkness prevails, his presence is near to guide you through.
My Recommendation
Psalm 23 is such a popular chapter of Scripture and I appreciated taking it slow, going verse by verse through to reflect and meditate more thoroughly on who Christ is and how he leads and welcomes me, even through the darkness.
This is a good read if you’re walking through challenges or difficulties, or if you cling to this psalm and want a better picture of the Good Shepherd.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 184
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
A Song: Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy)
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Scriptures About the Lord as Shepherd
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Jn. 10:11)
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Pet. 2:25).
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us[a] that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:20).
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36).
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young (Is. 40:11).
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