“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;…” Psalm 23:1-3
I remember that one of the first Bible passages that I had the privilege of memorizing as a child, was Psalm 23.
In Psalm 23, David compares the Lord to a shepherd who lovingly tends his flock. Through this passage, we learn that Jehovah God – the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God, tenderly cares for those who belong to Him.
Very briefly, I would like to point out to you a few things about God, our wonderful Shepherd. It is my hope and prayer that as you ponder upon these things, God’s Word will be a great encouragement to you.
1) The Lord is a Personal Shepherd. David wrote: “The Lord is my shepherd”. One of the amazing things about the God of the Bible is that He is not a distant, unapproachable God, but a God that can be known in a personal way. Relationship and fellowship with God is possible through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
2) The Lord is a Providing Shepherd. Psalm 23:2: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.” This also reminds me of Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
I would like to encourage you to take a few moments today and thank Him for His spiritual, physical, material, and emotional provision. He is worthy of our praise!
3) The Lord is a Protecting Shepherd. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;” Psalm 23:4
Everyone goes through valleys, or low points in life. We may face sorrow, heartache, doubt, or other kinds of adversity, but God’s Word reminds us that we should not be afraid. The constant presence of our Shepherd provides the assurance we need to always feel safe. If we walk obediently before Him, He will bring good out of the hardships we endure “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
God bless you dear readers!
Hope you all have a wonderful summer, trusting the good Lord – the Good Shepherd!
