“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me
to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He
restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 (KJV)
Claiming
Jehovah as one’s shepherd is quite a claim. It requires a self-understanding
that surpasses everyday monotony. It also requires an individual to humbly
consider his or her own sheep-like existence. And it requires one to
acknowledge all dependence upon Jehovah. Such dependence is really difficult
for those of us who have been reared with a self-sufficient perspective.
Jehovah as one’s shepherd is quite a claim. It requires a self-understanding
that surpasses everyday monotony. It also requires an individual to humbly
consider his or her own sheep-like existence. And it requires one to
acknowledge all dependence upon Jehovah. Such dependence is really difficult
for those of us who have been reared with a self-sufficient perspective.
Submitting
our self-sufficiency to his all-sufficiency is not for the faint of heart.
Sometimes he provides for us by giving good health so that we can earn our
bread by working a job. From a shepherd-sheep context, take note that the
shepherd only takes the sheep to green pastures, but the sheep still have to do
the walking and eating.
our self-sufficiency to his all-sufficiency is not for the faint of heart.
Sometimes he provides for us by giving good health so that we can earn our
bread by working a job. From a shepherd-sheep context, take note that the
shepherd only takes the sheep to green pastures, but the sheep still have to do
the walking and eating.
Trusting
God to provide all our needs, however, becomes a little easier when we
thoughtfully meditate on the benefits. Spiritual restoration. Righteousness.
Confidence in face of dangers and death. His constant, personal presence. The
comfort of his Word and Spirit. Blessings despite our enemies. Health.
Overflowing blessings. The certainty of goodness and mercy as lifelong
companions. The determination to live in God’s house forever. What marvelous
blessings! How could one not claim him as both Shepherd and Lord?
God to provide all our needs, however, becomes a little easier when we
thoughtfully meditate on the benefits. Spiritual restoration. Righteousness.
Confidence in face of dangers and death. His constant, personal presence. The
comfort of his Word and Spirit. Blessings despite our enemies. Health.
Overflowing blessings. The certainty of goodness and mercy as lifelong
companions. The determination to live in God’s house forever. What marvelous
blessings! How could one not claim him as both Shepherd and Lord?
Dear
Father, thank you for being our Shepherd. Empower us with grace to truly trust
you as our shepherd. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Father, thank you for being our Shepherd. Empower us with grace to truly trust
you as our shepherd. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong
and courageous today trusting the Shepherd,
and courageous today trusting the Shepherd,