The Path beside the Sheep
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
At the farm, Chloe watched a shepherd open a gate. The sheep followed him toward a field with fresh grass. Chloe wanted to run ahead and pet a lamb, but the farmer asked her to stay beside the fence.
From there, she could see the narrow place in the path and the water trough beyond it. The shepherd knew where the flock needed to go. Chloe only knew where she wanted to run.
David called the Lord his shepherd. God knows how to care for His people and lead them in what is right. Chloe's afternoon at the farm was only a small picture. She could learn to trust the Lord's word even when she did not understand every turn in the path. His wisdom was greater than her view from the fence.
A small step for today
David used the picture of a shepherd caring for sheep. Read the words slowly and notice the rest, water, and guidance. The Lord knows how to care for His people. The psalm also speaks about a dark valley later on, so His care does not mean every day is easy. He remains the faithful shepherd through the whole journey.
For the grown-up reading along
David speaks of the LORD as his shepherd, who provides, restores, and leads in righteousness for His name's sake. The rest of the psalm includes danger, so this is not a promise of uninterrupted ease.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Psalm 23 in the King James Bible.