My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

When Isaac Watts was a child, the hymns that were sung at worship services were based on the book of Psalms. Watts was dissatisfied with the psalm-based hymns of the time. He tried a new approach: using New Testament language to emphasize Christ as the central figure of the book of Psalms. He also modernized the scriptural messages to resonate with the people of his day. “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” is one of Watts’s texts based on Psalm 23.

Watts’s text identifies “the Lord” from Psalm 23:1 as Jehovah—the Good Shepherd, who provides all we need. And “the still waters” from Psalm 23:2 become “the living stream,” alluding to the living water that the Savior provides. While the psalmist states that the Shepherd guides us “in the paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3), Watts evokes images of wandering, repentance, and the redemption made possible through Jesus Christ’s Atonement.

During his work on a collection of psalm-based texts, Watts suffered a prolonged illness. In gratitude for the sustaining help he received, he offered the completed hymnal to God. He wrote, “May that God who has favour’d me with Life and Capacity to finish this Work … after so many Years of tiresome Sickness and Confinement, accept this humble Offering from a thankfull Heart.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Scriptures

Principles

God is aware of our individual needs and concerns.
As our Shepherd, Jesus Christ leads us safely on the path back home to God.
We can rely on the Lord’s help when we experience loneliness and fear.

Questions to Ponder

In what ways has Jesus Christ provided for your needs?
What can you do to minister to those who wander from the protecting care of Jesus Christ?
How can knowing your identity as a child of God motivate you to prepare now to return home to Him?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Draw pictures to remember the words. To help your family remember the first verse of the hymn, invite each person to draw a picture that represents part of the lyrics. They might draw a shepherd, a stream in a pasture, some wandering sheep, or a path. Take turns using each picture as a prompt to recall the words that go with it. Then, showing the pictures in order, sing or review the verse. Encourage your children to share how the hymn helps them feel the Savior’s deep love and care in their lives.
Help your family feel the peace the Savior brings. This hymn has a calm, peaceful feeling. Invite your children to listen to it with their eyes closed. Encourage them to breathe deeply and imagine being in a peaceful place. As they listen, ask them to think about how the Savior brings peace, comfort, and help. Invite them to share something they know about Jesus Christ that brings them peace.