Keith Green - The Lord Is My Shepherd Lyrics
Lyrics
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul
And guides my path in righteousness
For His name's sake.
Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me al the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.
Though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will not fear, Thou art with me.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table
Before me in the presence of my enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil
My cup's overflowing
Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me al the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever and ever and ever.
Video
The Lord Is My Shepherd (23rd Psalm)
Meaning & Inspiration
Keith Green’s profound rendition of "The Lord Is My Shepherd," featured on his 2008 compilation album, *The Greatest Hits*, released on January 1, 2008, offers a timeless and deeply comforting meditation on one of the Bible's most cherished passages. Green’s interpretation takes the familiar words of Psalm 23 and imbues them with a directness and earnestness that makes the ancient text feel freshly personal and powerfully relevant to anyone navigating life’s complexities.
The song is a musical setting of King David’s iconic declaration of trust in God, portraying the Lord as a benevolent Shepherd who meticulously cares for His flock. It articulates a journey from utter dependence to ultimate hope, painting vivid pictures of divine provision, protection, and eternal communion. The core message revolves around the Shepherd's unwavering commitment to His sheep, ensuring their well-being in every circumstance. This isn't merely a historical account; it's a living promise for today, reminding us that God actively guides, sustains, and protects His children.
The opening lines, "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want," immediately establish a foundational truth: in God’s care, all true needs are met. This resonates deeply with Philippians 4:19, which promises, "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Green’s delivery emphasizes a complete satisfaction found not in worldly possessions, but in the presence and provision of God Himself. This Shepherd "makes me lie down in green pastures" and "leads me beside the still waters," evoking images of rest, nourishment, and profound peace. These aren't just physical comforts, but spiritual sustenance for the weary soul, akin to the "living water" Jesus spoke of in John 4:10, quenching a deeper thirst that the world cannot satisfy. Such imagery speaks to God's intentional design for us to find tranquility and rejuvenation under His watchful eye, providing for our souls as surely as a shepherd provides for his sheep.
The passage then moves to the vital work of spiritual renewal: "He restoreth my soul." This speaks to God’s power to revive, heal, and bring us back to a right relationship with Him when we stray or become spiritually depleted. This restoration is coupled with divine guidance, as He "guides my path in righteousness for His name's sake." Here, God’s reputation is on the line; His character is demonstrated through His just and loving leadership, underscoring that His guidance is always for our good and His glory, as referenced in Ezekiel 36:22-23 where God acts "for My holy name’s sake." It reminds us that our walk reflects upon Him, and He faithfully directs us in paths that honor His name.
One of the most powerful sections confronts life's deepest fears: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will not fear, Thou art with me." This is a stark acknowledgment of suffering and mortality, yet it pivots to an audacious statement of courage rooted in God’s immediate presence. The comfort of "Thy rod and Thy staff" isn't just about gentle guidance; the rod was used for protection against predators, and the staff for drawing sheep back or steering them. These implements signify God’s dual role as protector and guide, a comforting assurance mirrored in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Even in our darkest hours, God’s presence provides solace and security. Furthermore, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies" illustrates God’s lavish provision and triumphant blessing, not just in safe havens, but right in the midst of adversity, a testament to His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness. This spiritual feast signifies victory and honor that transcend earthly circumstances.
The song culminates with a declaration of abundant blessing and eternal hope: "Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup's overflowing." Anointing with oil historically signified honor, consecration, or even healing, speaking to God’s favor and blessing poured out upon His children. An overflowing cup speaks to immeasurable grace and joy, a life filled to abundance by His generosity, far beyond what we could ask or imagine. The concluding lines, "Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever and ever," are a resounding affirmation of God’s persistent, unwavering pursuit of His people with His *hesed*—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This promises a future not just of earthly blessing, but of eternal communion with God, echoing the ultimate hope found in Revelation 21:3-4, where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear. Keith Green’s presentation of Psalm 23 is more than a song; it's an enduring anthem of faith, anchoring believers in the unchanging truth of God's profound care and promising presence, guiding them from the pastures of this life to the eternal dwelling of the Lord.