“_The_ Lord”—not just any Lord, for there are “lords many.” It signifies one definite, particular Lord; not one of a number of equal lords, but one standing out separate and distinct from all others—the one above all others. This is the Lord who is “my shepherd.” When rightly considered, this one little common word as here used contains a world of meaning. We could profitably study it for hours. There is a whole sermon in it. “The _Lord_ is my shepherd.” It is not a man nor even an angel who is my shepherd; it is the _Lord_, the almighty One—he who created all things, who stretched out the heavens, who upholds all by his might; the Lord who speaks and it is done; the Lord who wills and it comes to pass; the Lord unchangeable, unfailing, glorious in strength, perfect in wisdom and understanding. Baal is not my shepherd, but he who sits upon the throne of the heavens, whose face is as the lightning and whose words are as the rolling thunders, whose love is more tender than a mother’s, whose touch is as soft as the kiss of a sunbeam, whose eye is tender with pity, and whose heart is a fount of compassion—this is the Lord, my shepherd. “The Lord _is_ my shepherd.” Yes, he _is_. There was no questioning with the Psalmist; it was to him a positive reality. He did not doubt it in the least. He was as sure of it as he was of his own existence. But he was not any more sure than we can be. Repeat the text over a few times with strong emphasis on the “_is_.” This will help you get the kernel out of it. If you are a little doubtful, keep going over it until the “is” really means _is_ to you. “The Lord is _my_ shepherd.” Yes, he is _my_ shepherd. It is I for whom he is caring. It is I over whom he is watching. It is I who can safely trust him. I may see him looking with favor on others, helping, blessing, and strengthening them, but he is _my_ shepherd, so I may with confidence look for him to give me the same kind of treatment that he gives the other sheep. The shepherd has made promises. He is _my_ shepherd; therefore I belong to him and have all claims upon him that any sheep has. “The Lord is my _shepherd_.” To others he may be a judge, austere and stern. Some see him as a tyrant, some see him as one to be feared, but he is my _shepherd_. Being my shepherd and the “good shepherd,” he will care for me. He will care for my safety. He will keep me in his fold from the ravenous beasts; he will protect me. Into pastures green he will lead me. By the still water I shall rest secure. He is “my shepherd.”