“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 statement. Such statements require a self-understanding that surpasses everyday monotony. They also require an individual to humbly consider his or her own sheep-like existence. Next, they require one to acknowledge all dependence upon Jehovah. It is really hard for those who have been reared in a self-sufficient mode.
Submitting our finite self-sufficiency to his infinite 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?
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. You are great and to be praised with all our hearts. We have determined to live in your house forever. Empower us with humility that we may truly know you as our shepherd. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his overflowing blessings and will live in his house forever,