The Lord My Shepherd Is
The Lord my Shepherd is
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of Christ as the Good Shepherd who provides for, protects, and guides believers through all circumstances of life. It reflects the comfort of the Gospel in its assurance of divine care and the certainty of eternal life despite present trials.
History & Background
Nathaniel Bacon's paraphrase of Psalm 23 was published in the mid-17th century and became a popular metrical version of this beloved psalm. It has been widely used in English-speaking Protestant worship, particularly in Reformed and Presbyterian traditions, and subsequently adopted by Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 426
Bulletin Note
By Nathaniel Bacon (1650), this metrical rendering of Psalm 23 anchors believers in the medieval pastoral theology of Christ as the Good Shepherd—a comfort especially treasured in Lutheran funeral liturgy and at the font.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's exposure of human vulnerability and mortality, then meets it squarely with the Gospel's proclamation of Christ's unfailing shepherding care—making it a powerful sung response to any proclamation of grace in the face of death or trial.
Themes
Divine providence Pastoral care of Christ Trust in God Comfort in affliction