David, at some point in his young life, began to understand that his relationship with God was affecting his “soul”. Something inside of him was helping him to come back into balance. His mind, emotions, and will, and his spirit were in contact with God, restoring order and affecting his view on life and the way he responded to his circumstances.

So, as he reflected on these things, David began to pen his perspective. How did this transformation come about?

As a young boy, the youngest of eight brothers, his role was to care for his father’s sheep. This was a responsible task, and often a dangerous one, for a teenager.

He had to care for the health and well-being of each individual sheep as well as to seek out suitable pastures and a safe water supply for the flock.

He had to protect them from injury, from preditors, and from danger in rocky terrain. He had to rescue those who wandered away, and to herd them together as they moved from pasture to pasture.

It was a full-time job. On those occasions when the sheep grazed quietly in a safe pasture, David had time to reflect on his own life. No doubt he was steeped in the truths of the Torah from birth. He was no stranger to the faith of his ancestors. He was learning to trust the God of his fathers as he navigated his role as a shepherd. He needed God to help him carry out his daily tasks.

God was never far from his thoughts when he gazed into the night sky and pondered on the majesty of creation.

Psalms 8:1 NIV
[1] “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.”

Songs of praise and worship formed in his mind. He played his instrument and sang to the sheep on the hills outside Bethlehem.

Slowly he began to see God’s place in his life as he pondered on his own shepherding role. He was a sheep in God’s flock. The divine Shepherd was personally responsible for him. His care took many forms, always doing the best for him.

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT
[1] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

No lack in God’s care for him! He met David’s needs, not his wants. The divine Shepherd always knew what was best for His sheep. No overindulged, spoilt little pet lamb! This lamb had to grow up to become a parent sheep one day, to follow the Shepherd first since he was called to shepherd his own nation.

There is an interesting alternative meaning to the Hebrew word translated “want”, i.e., “lessen” or “decrease”. In God’s flock, no sheep will ever become less, or decrease in God’s estimation and care. He never diminishes anyone who trusts in Him.

[2] “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”

The divine Shepherd never drives His sheep. He allows them time to rest and munch on the good food He provides. How different from our opinion of God at times! Why do we act as though we are driven? Do we always need to be busy, even about His business? Jesus took time out, “me time”, if you like, to rest, refresh, and regroup.

[3] “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

He restores my soul! He puts my mind, will, and emotions back into the correct order.

David had ample opportunity, during his leisure time while the sheep grazed in the green pastures, to “graze” on God’s world around him, to learn to think God’s thoughts. In the years of his reign over his people, he constantly sought the Lord to help him do the right thing. Where did he learn such wisdom? Was it when he lounged in the green pastures, contemplating God in creation?

[4] “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

David learned that shepherding mindless sheep was no bed of roses. There were times of danger and hardship, drought and want, wild animals and rough terrain, stubborn sheep and wayward lambs. He also learned that he was never alone. As he thought about God, his Shepherd thought about him. Bears and lions were harmless teddy bears and kittens with God’s strength. He and his sheep were seasoned mountaineers by grace. Water and grazing were always somewhere nearby when they needed it. Faith opened the door to the Shepherd’s provision.

[5] “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

There were always enemies lurking nearby, wild animals to pick off the sheep, rustlers to sneak a raid on his animals, unexpected cracks and crevices to swallow a lamb or two….but God was his shield, an impenetrable barrier of protection. Not even fear could block his pathway to God’s plenty.

Not only provision but abundance of blessing and favour! He would return home at the end of the summer season with his father’s flock intact and flourishing because of his divine Shepherd’s care. What a welcome he would receive from his relieved family!

[6] “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Just as he accompanied his sheep with his presence and careful supervision, so David’s divine Shepherd would be with him all the way to his heavenly destination, intact and flourishing. Goodness and mercy hounded him every moment of his journey, like two faithful sheepdogs watching his every step, supplying his every need, protecting him from every danger. They were behind him, guiding him unerringly to his heavenly destination.

The Shepherd was ready for that moment…and his sheep reached home to a place thoroughly prepared for him. What a welcome for a faithful shepherd!

2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV
[5] “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

He restores my soul!

2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV
[10]”Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, [11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”