Pastor Leigh Metcalf | THE GOOD SHEPHERD
As we step into a new year, many people carry questions, uncertainty, and even weariness from the season behind them. Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and sometimes we find ourselves asking, “How did I get here?” or “What comes next?”
Psalm 23 offers a powerful answer. In this timeless passage, King David reminds us that Jesus is our Shepherd, faithfully guiding, providing, restoring, and protecting us—no matter what season we’re in.
Jesus, Our Shepherd, Walks With Us
David begins Psalm 23 with a profound declaration:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
In biblical times, a shepherd lived among the sheep. He knew them by name, protected them from danger, and led them daily to food and water. This imagery would have been deeply familiar to the people of Israel—and it still speaks powerfully to us today.
When Jesus is our Shepherd, we never walk alone.
- You may feel isolated, but you are not abandoned.
- You may be struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually, but you are not forgotten.
Our Shepherd knows where we are, hears our prayers, and cares deeply about every detail of our lives.
God Is Our Provider: “I Shall Not Want”
Psalm 23 reminds us that God is not only present—He is also our source.
A shepherd constantly thinks about provision:
- Where will the sheep eat?
- Where will they find water?
- How will they be protected?
In the same way, God knows what we need before we ask. Even in seasons of lack, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful. David later wrote, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.”
When we trust the Shepherd, we learn that our security isn’t found in circumstances—it’s found in Him.
The Shepherd Gives Us Rest and Restores Our Soul
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Rest is not optional—it’s essential. Many people run at an unsustainable pace, only slowing down when exhaustion forces them to stop. God, in His love, invites us into rhythms of rest.
True restoration goes deeper than physical rest or even a vacation. Soul restoration happens in God’s presence. When we slow down, listen, and draw near to Him, He renews our strength, clarity, and peace.
Jesus echoed this invitation in Matthew 11:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Walking Through the Valley With Confidence
Psalm 23 doesn’t promise a valley-free life—but it does promise we won’t walk through it alone.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”
Valleys can feel confusing, dark, and disorienting. But valleys are passageways, not permanent destinations. The Shepherd’s rod and staff provide both protection and guidance, keeping us on the right path even when visibility is low.
Fear loses its power when we remember: God is with us.
God’s Goodness in the Midst of Trouble
One of the most striking images in Psalm 23 is this:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
God doesn’t wait for opposition to disappear before blessing us. He offers abundance, joy, and peace even in difficult circumstances. Our circumstances do not define God’s goodness—His character does.
Scripture reminds us that God is good all the time, and His mercy follows us every day of our lives.
Dwelling in God’s Presence Changes Everything
Psalm 23 ends with a powerful promise:
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
The Shepherd does the leading, providing, restoring, and protecting—but our role is simple: dwell in His presence.
When we consistently show up—
- in prayer
- in worship
- in God’s Word
- in the community of faith
—we position ourselves to experience everything God wants to do in our lives.
Moving Forward With the Shepherd
As a new year begins, the most important decision we can make is not about goals or plans—it’s about proximity. Staying close to the Shepherd changes how we walk into the future.
Jesus knows your story.
He knows your struggles.
He knows your future.
And He is leading you with goodness, mercy, and love.
The Lord is your Shepherd—and that changes everything.