What does Psalm 23:6 mean? (2024)

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David expresses his conviction in this verse that the Lord's goodness will be with him throughout his life. Whether green pastures and still waters lay ahead, or David was required to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord's goodness would accompany him.

Over the years of his long life David had found that God is good all the time. Further, the Lord's unfailing love would be present with him every step of life's journey. Paul encourages us in Romans 8:38–39 to count on God's love in all of life's circ*mstances. Nothing can separate us from His unfailing love. We can use trials to make us more aware of God's love so that we grow, rather than become bitter. David anticipated that at the end of his life he would enter heaven—the house of the LORD—and live there forever.

Having the Lord as our shepherd makes life worthwhile and blessed, and when our journey on earth ends we will enter heaven to live with our Shepherd forever (John 14:3). Revelation 7:16–17 promises that in heaven believers will never hunger or thirst or suffer again, "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."