“The Lord is my shepherd. Nothing shall be lacking to me” (Ps. 23:1; Author’s literal translation).

This is a security verse. Safe in the shepherd’s fold we know no lack, no want, no deficiency, no shortage. Psalm 84:11 assures us: “…No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly”). In Psalm 34:9 we are told: “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (NIV).

One way a shepherd tends his flock is by seeing that they have good nourishing food. As our Divine Shepherd, the Lord wants us to have a healthy diet. The Word of God is one source of Spiritual nourishment.

Worship of the Lord is another. Inspired and anointed teaching and preaching is food for the soul. Our Shepherd will supply to us just the right nourishment, if we will let Him, if we will follow Him in obedience.

A shepherd also protects his flock. We can trust our keeping to our Chief Shepherd, Jesus, Who will not leave us open to the enemy’s designs. Our protection, our safety, our preservation, our care, and our safekeeping are all His personal concerns.

We believers are ever under His watchful eye. Jesus protects the flock from marauders. He has given to His “undershepherds” (pastors) an admonition to keep the wolves out of His sheepfold.

A shepherd continuously leads his flock to better pasture. Our Chief Shepherd is constantly looking out for our best interests. He only wants for us what is for our ultimate good.

Saying “The Lord is my Shepherd” personalizes this statement. To proclaim “I shall not lack or want” is to declare that, as one of the Lord’s followers, each of us is supplied and contented in every way.