“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1, NKJV).

 Some children were asked to draw a picture of God. Without exception, each one drew a picture with a heart somewhere in it. When asked why, they declared unanimously that God is love. It was as simple as that.

 It is easy to have a good opinion about God and His purposes when everything is going well. But as we grow older and life becomes harder and more complicated, our view of God often changes. God doesn’t change, of course (Heb. 13:8, James 1:17); but we do.

 Because of the pastoral lifestyle of the people in Old Testament times, Psalm 23 uses the image of a shepherd to describe the way God cares for us. The symbol of a shepherd is used for God — in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It’s a wonderful picture and one that is changeless, too. Before we look at Psalm 23, let’s survey how different Bible writers understand the work and character of the Shepherd throughout the Bible.

 What do you learn about the Shepherd from each of the following verses?

 Isa. 40:11
 Jer. 23:3, 4
 Ezek. 34:12
 John 10:14-16
 1 Pet. 2:25
 Now turn to Psalm 23. What does the Shepherd do to care for His sheep?

 Ps. 23:2
 Ps. 23:3
 Ps. 23:4
 Ps. 23:5
 Ps. 23:6