You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 is the most beloved of psalms, and for good reason. The cross comes before the blessings of redemption. Christ must die for us before we can be His sheep.
Sheep obey, follow, trust, love, and depend upon their shepherd.
So too, we have been bought by our Shepherd. If divine promises are to help us, we must embrace them. David, of course, was a shepherd, and so knew from experience the care a shepherd must give to his flock. The shepherd rules, guides, and protects his flock. Good shepherds show great care for their sheep.