Doves On Distant Oaks

The 23rd Psalm is perhaps one of the most well known Psalms, certainly the most quoted from the Old Testament. The author, King David, presents a vivid picture of how God takes care of those who love Him.

Often we hear the same analogy repeated throughout the New Testament by Jesus in his teachings. In them, Jesus becomes the good shepherd watching over His flock, searching out those who have left the fold, and responding to their needs. Certainly, followers of Christ need guidance and protection, much like a shepherd provides, but we follow Him out of our need, not His.

A better, or at least a more modern, understanding of the Psalm can be summed up in four simple words: you are not alone. Perhaps the following poem captures the essence of that.


We all need help sometimes. Perhaps we need help most of the time. Family helps, friends help, community helps, but all of those can let us down from time to time. The one we can count on time and again, in good times and bad, endlessly, is Christ.




Keywords: Psalms, Shepherd


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