June 15 | Psalm 23:1-3, 1 Samuel 16:10-13

Elaine Pierce
Jun 14, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

He Makes Me Lie Down

By Elaine Pierce

Reading these two passages together helps create a beautiful picture of how David could write Psalm 23. He wasn't just talking in the abstract about raising sheep - he was a shepherd. Psalm 23 is a beloved piece of scripture. David was intimately familiar with green pastures and quiet waters. The images were part of his everyday experience as a young man tending his family's sheep herd.

His father, Jesse, as well as Samuel the prophet, didn't even consider David to be the Lord's anointed. But the Lord was quick to remind Samuel what the important quality was for a king:

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (I Samuel 16:7).

We know from the whole of scripture that David certainly wasn't perfect. But he repented quickly and he loved the Lord. His heart was given over to following the Lord. And in Psalm 23, he reminds us that no matter what our circumstances, the Lord is with us. He's with us in the quiet; he's with us in the valley; he's with us when our enemies surround us. He doesn't promise a life of quiet and ease, but he will be with us no matter what happens.

How is your heart these days? I get a physical every year, and my physician listens to my heart. She always asks me to take several deep breaths as she holds the stethoscope up to my chest. Yes, my heart has a steady beat. But what about my heart towards God, towards those in need, towards those he has called me to serve? As David said, he will guide me in paths of righteousness. Let's ask him to do that today and every day.

PRAYER

Lord, you are the Good Shepherd. You laid down your life for your sheep, and I am one of those unreliable sheep who often goes astray. Help me to walk with you in paths of righteousness. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!