1. I shall lack nothing (1-4)

David was familiar with the life of a shepherd from his childhood. The shepherd is everything for the sheep. In the same way, the LORD was everything for David. The LORD provided for David, not only for his physical needs, but even refreshing his soul. He did all of this not just for David, but for his name's sake. This did not make David immune to the darkness of this world, but in that place, David learned to trust God and overcome fear. He received God's discipline with the comfort that the LORD was his shepherd. As long as the LORD was his shepherd, David lacked nothing.

2. In the presence of my enemies (5-6)

From a young age, David had many who treated him with enmity. In his life this included King Saul and his own son, Absalom. There David trusted the LORD to reveal his glory. He is the LORD who protects his own and provides to overflowing. He used the times when David was besieged by enemies to proclaim his goodness and love-his eternal glory-through David and to the world.


Application: LORD, I need nothing but you. Be my shepherd in all things. Use me for your name's sake, to proclaim your goodness and love in all things each day.
One Word: The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall lack nothing