The Lord Is My Shepherd: Reflections from a Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller

by W. Phillip Keller

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want...” provides comfort and peace to all who read Psalm 23. The words of this beloved psalm come alive with Scripture in this lovely gift book, inspired by Philip Keller’s classic A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Filled with beautiful, inspiring full-color images the reader will discover new hope and meaning in your relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Weldon Phillip Keller (1920-1997) wrote more than thirty-five books on Christian subjects, including his most popular book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 The son of missionary parents in Kenya, Keller grow up in Africa before becoming a world citizen as a photographer, agronomist, and author. His books have over two million copies in print.

Reviews

[Annie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing read. I understand this psalm in a way I could’ve never expected or been able to without the help of this book. It is such a unique but so necessary perspective of the shepherd’s psalm. 4 stars rather than 5 just because it wasn’t necessarily exciting to read. It also isn’t the kind of book that necessitates excitement though. It was insightful and sweet as it should be.

[Jordan Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, but rich book that gives proper perspective on Psalm 23 from a Shepherd with experience caring for His flock. I highly recommend!

[Jrobert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book full of scripture relating to Psalm 23. Short but rich compliment to Mr Kellers first book “A shepherd looks at Psalm 23”

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 17 years ago, and have just re-read it, my requirement for a 5-star book. What I remembered from the book before was the discussion of the "cast down" sheep in Psalm 42. I remember it being so comforting to think that although I was in trouble, God was going to come take care of me.

But there is so much good in this book that I hadn't remembered. It's a short read, more of what I'd call a coffee table book, or a gift book, written by a man who was a shepherd. He related every line of Psalm 23 (and a few other passages as well) to his experiences taking care of his sheep. It helps me to know that this is the extent - the extreme extent - that God means to take care of us even amidst the realities of the hardships of this life.

I had forgotten that for a shepherd to anoint a sheep with oil was to protect it from disease, both nasal fly and scab parasite. Of course, David, the psalmist, was anointed in a different manner to become king.

Mr. Keller ended the Shepherd's psalm with a translation that said, "I will dwell in the presence of the Lord forever" instead of "in the house of the Lord forever," saying that it better reflected the relationship there. "Not only do we get the idea of an ever-present Shepherd on the scene, but also the concept that the sheep want to be in full view of his owner at all times."

Quotes:

"As Christians we will sooner or later discover that it is the valleys of our lives that we find refreshment from God Himself. It is not until we have walked with Him through some very deep troubles that we discover He can lead us to find our refreshment in Him right there in the midst of our difficulty. We are thrilled beyond words when there comes restoration to our souls and spirits from His own gracious Spirit."

"It is a most reassuring and reinforcing experience to the children of God to discover that there is, even in the dark valley, a source of strength and courage to be found in God. It is when we can look back over life and see how the Shepherd's hand has guided and sustained us in the darkest hours that our faith is renewed."

"The sheep is so deeply satisfied with the flock to which it belongs, with the ownership of this particular shepherd, that it has no wish whatsoever to change. Sometimes I fell we Christians should be more like this. We should be proud to belong to Christ. Why shouldn't we feel free to boast to others of how our Shepherd is? How glad we should be to look back and recall all the amazing ways in which He has provided for our welfare. We should delight to describe, in detail the hard experiences through which He has brought us. And we should be eager and quick to tell of our confidence in Christ."

[Rebecca Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice and used it in a study group. It is a beautiful read of Psalm 23 and teaches us the meaning through the eyes of a shepherd. Keller is a great author and teaches us through his writings.

[Victoria Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have read Psalm 23 numerous times, I have never understood it as well as I did after reading Philip Keller's book. There are so many things I did not know about sheep or shepherds that became clear through his writing. The parallels to our lives and Christ's shepherding is amazing and unbelievable. This is a book I would recommend as a must read for believers and not believers alike.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit dated now, but some good thoughts in there.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never look at my Good Shepherd or the 23rd Psalm the same again. The Good Shepherd is burdened throughout His entire heart and being for His sheep (me.) How gracious a God Who owns me.