Go After God's HeartSample

Getting God

Many Bible historians believe David wrote Psalm 23 in the middle of puberty, right about the same time he was anointed the next king of Israel. We tend to read this famous Psalm as a reminder from a pro to take a rest or to trust God in difficult times. For a moment, let’s read into what was going through the mind of a teenager.

At the beginning of the Psalm, David called God a shepherd. This is not the first job description any ol’ Israelite would drum up to flatter God. That’d be like if one of us said, “The Lord is my cattle rancher ...” Yet, we know David himself was a good shepherd. He was so good at caring for sheep, God thought he should take care of a nation. In calling God a shepherd, David is kindly connecting with his heavenly Father in his own context. He’s not worried about making an impressive speech to God. He’s basically saying, “God, first of all, You get me … and I think I get You, too.” This shows us a boy who could relate personally to the Creator of the universe.

David continued to compliment God in way that feels increasingly warm, close, and personal. Read them in past tense, and David’s thoughts are reminiscent of what you might hear at a loved one’s funeral. Yet, it’s the opposite. David had this loving conversation in real time with a living God. No wonder God picked David to lead His people! Read Psalm 23 differently today. Read it in your context, like you’re the leader God chose, and you’re speaking directly to Him. Because you are.

Leader Tip: Lasting influence flows from the kind of inner strength that only comes from a vibrant relationship with God.