David killing the lion and the bear to protect his sheep (1 Samuel 17) – Protection
Nathan describing the sin of David through a shepherd story (2 Sam 12) – Nurture or Provision
Jesus describing Himself as the good shepherd (John 10) – Protection
Paul describing Jesus as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13) – Provision through Protection
Loving Through Nurture
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures…
The Lord loves me so much that He shepherds me, nurturing me, providing for me, so that I always have what I need.
The Loving Nature of Nurture: Feeding a baby, making sure a child eats his or her vegetables, finding food no matter what it takes.
Loving Through Protection
He leads me beside the still waters…
Still waters signifies peace, a lack of conflict or danger.
Still waters are not rough so the sheep is too timid to drink.
Still waters are where no other animals or other enemies can overcome the sheep
Nurturing and Protecting Our Souls
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The Good Shepherd loves us enough to restore us when we are weak.
The Good Shepherd loves us enough to lead us in the right path and protect us from evil
The Good Shepherd helps us glorify Him in return
Protection from the Gravest Enemy
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Protection from fear
Protection from enemies
Protection from death
Nurture of the Most Lavish Fashion
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Nurture where even my enemies must watch, unable to deny me. You nurture my anointing
Devoted To You 