The Lord Is My Shepherd

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:1-6 NLT)

When David wrote this Psalm/Poem, he was probably still a young man who served his father as a shepherd. He understood the sheep / shepherd relationship. He understood that being a shepherd meant above all that you didn’t spend your time back at the ranch house, you stayed in the fields with the sheep. It was 24/7 work. Just as the shepherds were in the fields “keeping watch over their sheep by night” when Jesus was born, shepherds have always lived with their sheep.

David understood the dependency of the sheep. He understood the dangers from wild animals, from thieves, and from natural circumstances. He understood the commitment and resourcefulness of the shepherd and the total dependence of the sheep on the shepherd for direction, protection, and care.

Jesus was very fond of the shepherd-sheep metaphor. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. (John 10:14)

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (Psalm 23:1) Let’s make this a real “devotional.” Take these two phrases and think them through:

  • The Lord is my shepherd. He chose me as his sheep. He chooses to relate to me as a compassionate, caring shepherd does to an oft-needing, sometimes-helpless sheep. He cares for me. I am dependent on him. Be gratefully confident!
  • I have all that I need. I don’t always have all I want! And I don’t always have all I need for tomorrow! I have all I need for today. He’ll still be my shepherd tomorrow. Alright then!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you that you are my shepherd and I am your sheep. You’re such a good shepherd and I’m often such a so-so sheep! Thanks for being so patient with me! Amen!