Keith Green - The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) Lyrics
Released: 01 Jan 2001
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 rendition of "The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)," released on January 1, 2001, as part of his album *Your Love Broke Through: The Worship Songs of Keith Green*, offers a profound musical meditation on one of Scripture's most cherished passages. Green, known for his raw authenticity and uncompromising devotion, interprets this timeless psalm with a reverence that transcends mere performance, transforming it into a personal declaration of faith and trust. His approach ensures the ancient words resonate with a fresh, enduring power, inviting every heart to find solace and strength in God's unfailing care.
At its core, Psalm 23 is a deeply intimate testament to God's shepherd-like guidance and provision. Green masterfully brings forth this narrative, starting with the foundational truth, "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want." This opening line immediately establishes a radical dependence on divine care, echoing the sentiment of Philippians 4:19, which promises that God "will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." The very nature of the relationship — God as Shepherd, humanity as His sheep — speaks of a tender, vigilant oversight. The subsequent imagery of being led "to green pastures" and "beside the still waters" paints a picture of serene provision, spiritual nourishment, and profound peace, reminiscent of the living waters and restful guidance promised in Revelation 7:17, where the Lamb himself will be their shepherd. This is a peace that stills the anxious heart and restores the weary spirit.
The song continues to explore the Shepherd’s transformative work, declaring, "He restoreth my soul and guides my path in righteousness for His name's sake." This speaks to spiritual renewal and moral direction, not by human striving, but by divine intervention. God’s guidance is not arbitrary; it is "for His name's sake," meaning it is consistent with His character and brings Him glory. This aligns with Psalm 19:7, affirming that "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul." Green then confronts life’s inevitable trials with the powerful affirmation, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, Thou art with me." Here, the presence of God becomes the ultimate comfort in the face of our deepest fears and sorrows, mirroring the assurance in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The "rod and Thy staff" are not symbols of harshness but of divine protection, correction, and steadfast guidance, offering true solace in times of vulnerability.
The psalm’s subsequent verses reveal God’s generous provision even amidst adversity. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies" speaks to a divine triumph and honor that transcends worldly circumstances. It's a powerful statement of God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to bless and sustain His own, even when surrounded by opposition. This moves beyond mere survival to a place of celebratory feasting, a testament to God's ultimate victory. The declaration "Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup's overflowing" further amplifies this theme of abundant blessing and honor. Anointing with oil signifies consecration, healing, and divine favor, while an overflowing cup is a vivid metaphor for superabundant grace, reflecting Jesus' promise in John 10:10, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Concluding with a resounding declaration of eternal hope, the song reiterates, "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." This passage encapsulates God’s *hesed*—His unwavering, covenantal love and faithfulness that pursue believers relentlessly throughout their earthly journey and into eternity. This isn't just a fleeting promise but a steadfast assurance of divine presence and provision that spans all of life's seasons and extends into an eternal fellowship with God. It echoes the promise of future dwelling in God's presence, as Jesus stated in John 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." Keith Green's interpretation of Psalm 23 is more than a song; it is a profound journey into the heart of God's unchanging love and tireless care, offering a powerful reminder that in Him, our deepest needs are met, our greatest fears are calmed, and our eternal hope is secured.