Jesus as the Good Shepherd from the early Christian catacomb of Domitilla/Domatilla (Crypt of Lucina - 200 CE)
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When I was a little girl, the only time I remember hearing the twenty-third psalm was at the funeral of someone I loved. Consequently, it was not my favorite psalm. I was unable to understand that people were comforted by its beautiful words. But a nighttime experience and God’s grace have changed my perception.
It was 1:00 a.m. I woke suddenly, terror filling my whole being. I hoped that I was dreaming, but I was not. The terror reflected the reality that confronted me in this awful moment of truth. Many months before, we had been told that my husband, Glen, might die of the cancer he was fighting. Although the experimental treatment was no longer effective and melanoma had invaded both of his lungs, I had not let myself accept the likelihood of his death. Now, with a certainty I could not deny, I knew it was going to happen.
I looked over at my husband. He seemed to be sleeping so peacefully. I could not imagine living without him. We had been “one” for more than forty-five years. He had been there for me—loving, providing, supporting, and encouraging. How could I go on without my other half? I could not bear the thought. I had never experienced such fear.
I bounded from our bed begging God to help me. Never had I needed him more. I almost ran for my Bible. Without even thinking, I turned to Psalm 23, sat down in Glen’s chair, and began to read.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me….
I read very slowly, over and over again. I wanted not only to understand—I wanted to know the Lord as my Good Shepherd who controls my destiny, who never slumbers or sleeps, who cares and comforts me. This is what happened during the next two hours. Gently, my Shepherd led me through my fears to green pastures and beside still waters. He restored my soul and my peace.
I was so earnestly seeking God in his word that I was oblivious to what he was doing in me. Then I realized that I had been changed, restored. Even though I was still in the valley of the shadow of death, the terror was gone. I had been given the gift of “peace which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I went back to bed knowing and believing that both Glen and I would be all right, no matter what was going to happen. The terrible fear never came back.
Glen lived only two more months. I was able to remain strong and at peace as my Good Shepherd comforted and led me through the dark valley.
The twenty-third psalm no longer reminds me of death. It is now one of my most loved psalms. It has given me a way of life. I like being a lamb, loved and cared for by the Good Shepherd.
The 23rd Psalm is the first bible verse I learned as a child. It has been a souce of great comfort to me. Thanks for your article. It reminds me again of how the Good Shepherd has always cared for me.
The Lord is my shepherd i shall not want, my question is why is most of the believer are still in want?.