Week 19 · Old Testament · about 3 minutes · 172 words

🐑 The Shepherd’s Song

David knows how shepherds care for sheep, and he sings that the Lord cares for him that way.

Before David wore a crown, he knew the paths sheep take. A good shepherd leads them to grass and quiet water. He carries a staff to guide them and a rod to keep danger back. He knows which lamb tends to wander.

God sent Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint a king. The tall brothers looked impressive. God said he looks at the heart. David was out with the sheep. They brought him in, ruddy and bright-eyed, and Samuel anointed him. The Spirit of the Lord came on David.

David’s songs stayed honest his whole life, in pastures and in palaces. “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.” Even in a dark valley, the shepherd’s rod and staff were a comfort.

You are not a forgotten lamb. God knows the path, the water, and the night. When you lie down, you can pray David’s song slowly until the words feel like a blanket.

“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
Psalms 23:1 · Psalm 23 and 1 Samuel 16

Say it

Practice Psalms 23:1

Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.

Yahwehismyshepherd:I

Talk about it

What does a good shepherd do for sheep?
Why did God choose David instead of only looking at height?
Which line of Psalm 23 do you want by your bed?

Prayer

Lord, you are my shepherd. I lack nothing. Lead me beside quiet waters and restore my soul tonight. Amen.

Parent tip

Read Psalm 23:1–4 slowly after the story, even if you shorten the narrative.

Week 19 · the whole night