The Lord is my Shepherd: Daily Exercises of Faith

Introduction

On 29 June 2025, the CCMC Gospel Choir will be presenting a rendition of the song ‘Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy)’, first composed and performed by the Texas-based contemporary worship band Shane & Shane and arranged and orchestrated by Daniel Semsen.

A version of it was also performed by Shane & Shane alongside the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. It is one of many songs inspired by the pastoral vision of David’s psalm, from the 1650 hymn ‘The Lord's My Shepherd’, to Stuart Townend’s ‘The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23)’ to People & Songs’ ‘Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)’. Fittingly, the song will be presented on the final Sunday of Rev David Gwee’s ministry at CCMC. 

This bespeaks the enduring vision of Psalm 23, one of the most famous pieces of scripture in history. Commonly attributed to David during his reign as king of Israel, the psalm is believed to have been written amidst an uprising led by his son Absalom. To avoid further conflict and bloodshed to his people, David chose to flee into the wilderness, with Absolom in pursuit. (2 Samuel 15).

Central to the psalm is the image of the Shepherd, a metaphor for the just, kind, and merciful provision of God. The psalm’s words bring comfort and hope in times of uncertainty, grief and anxiousness. Yet, as with any piece of scripture that has grown perhaps too familiar, it may be worth considering both the responses and actions that the psalm invites of us.

The Lord is my Shepherd

In his youth, as the youngest son of Jesse, David was left to tend to his sheep and protect them from the perils and dangers they faced. The role of the shepherd was seen as neither prestigious nor admirable, a rough and exacting role especially for someone in their youth. Despite being the last and the least in the eyes of others, God saw in David a man after His own heart. It was David who God chose to lead His people when they demanded a king, despite his weaknesses and inadequacies. (1 Samuel 13:14)

What about ourselves? We may strive to be outstanding in our studies or areas of work; our identities and sense of satisfaction and purpose may be defined by the achievements of ourselves or those under our charge. If we stop striving or face changing circumstances, there may come a sense of loss of identity, status and usefulness.

Exercise 1: Remember - I am His sheep – Our perfect Creator God does not measure our worth by our appearance, grades or job titles – He looks only into our heart. Despite our past mistakes and imperfections, He chooses to love and forgive us. This is only possible because God’s only son, Jesus Christ, has taken our sins upon Himself and died in our place. May we remember to sacrifice of our thoughts, plans and emotions to Him, and desire His presence and His delight instead.

I shall not want

David’s task was to care for his father’s flock of sheep, leading them to food, water and safe resting grounds. Shepherds, farmers and fishermen know that their lives were totally dependent on the whims of nature – storms, rains, or heat. We live in a time of increasing natural disasters and fluctuating weather patterns. We may one day face news of unexpected illness. Such events may lead us to realise that we are not entirely in control of our own lives. In his climactic confrontation with Job in chapters 38 and 39 of the book of Job, God questions Job’s understanding of His power, His might, and His sovereignty. It is a humbling for a man who has already been humbled profoundly.

Source: Psalm 23 by Richard Gunther

In Psalm 23, David recognises His complete dependence on the Lord, who leads him to ‘lie down in green pastures’, ‘beside quiet waters’ and ‘refreshes’ the soul.

Pause and look around: Every day, do we recognise and thank God for providing for our daily needs and guiding us on the paths on which we have trodden, paths of righteousness, paths on which we need not fear any evil?

Exercise 2: Gratitude – Amidst the pressures, obligations, frustrations, or difficulties we may face, in a moment of stillness, stop and consider at least three things to thank God for providing. These could be loved ones such as friends, family, or brothers and sisters from church, or the serendipity of everyday occurrence, the wonder of which reminds you of the presence of God.

He restores my soul and leads me on for His name

As a ruler, David encountered many challenges: meeting the nation’s needs, handling internal and external threats; and having to make difficult decisions as its ultimate judge. He faced challenges from its religious establishment and a chaotic domestic situation, culminating in uprisings and rebellions. Amidst trying circumstances, physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion would have been inevitable. Yet, David declares that it the Lord who provides the healing, restoration and counsel he needs.

God is like a master craftsman who treasures His creation. Even if we are worn and broken, He knows our true value and will repair and ‘make good’ His own. He does not abandon us but will lead us in paths of righteousness, because of who He is – the Good Shepherd.

Exercise 3: Rest – Are you feeling burnt out, weary, tired, or helpless? Take active steps toward cultivating the discipline of rest, whether in the quietude of the end of the day, or intentionally abstaining from work on the Sabbath. In returning to a place of stillness, we may remember that restoration comes from dwelling in the presence of the Lord.

I will fear no evil

From young, David recognised both his protection by God and the way that God enabled him to overcome all forms of danger (1 Samuel 17:34-37). This gave him the courage and confidence to protect and rescue others. Sheep who see the rod and staff know that their protector is with them and follow them accordingly, as described by Dr Tan Buck Chye’s sermon on Shepherd & Sheep. Do we recognise who bears the rod and staff that guide us in the paths before us?

Source: Psalm 23 by Richard Gunther

Jesus is our Shepherd; we have confidence that we now have eternal life because He laid down His own life in exchange for our salvation. The Holy Spirit dwelling in each believer convicts us that we are God’s children and He is always with us (John 14:26-7). He guides us with compassion, righteousness, and love.

Exercise 4: Presence – As you close your eyes, pause, and reflect on the paths ahead, do you recognise the gentle leading of the Lord our shepherd? Invite the Holy Spirit to make His presence known and tangible to you; ask Him for courage to serve God and others with conviction.

Surely goodness, surely mercy, right beside me all my days

Even though he was pursued or surrounded by enemies, David was more confident that God’s goodness and mercy would follow and protect him. The evangelist Oswald Chambers once wrote that, ‘Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you, and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together.’

Exercise 5: Awareness – As we reflect on the days, weeks, and months God has brought us through thus far in 2025, where do we see evidence of His goodness and mercy? For each instance that the Holy Spirit brings to mind, thank God with a grateful heart.

I will dwell in your house forever

Shane and Shane’s adaptation of Psalm 23 concludes with the lyrics:

And I will dwell in Your house forever,

and bless Your holy name

It is a reminder of the posture of praise we assume when we come to the Lord with hearts of gratitude, and the anticipation of the eternity of praise we can look forward to. In a seminar delivered by Dr Tan Lai Yong, he emphasised how Psalm 23 provides a sense of a new orientation - citing the theologian Walter Bruggemann, he described this as being where gratitude and faith are expressed after a period of trial, where new possibilities emerge.

We invite everyone in CCMC to listen to ‘Psalm 23’, consider the depth of its lyrics that reflect on the merciful provision of God, and join us in worship this Sunday, proclaiming the goodness and the mercy of the Lord that we have known and cherished deeply.