The Lord Our Shepherd
The Lord Our Shepherd
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”
(Psalm 23:1).
Psalm 100:3 says, “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”What comfort, inspiration and joy to know that the Lord, He is God; and that we’re His people, and the sheep of His pasture. That means He’s the Lord our Shepherd; the One who protects, nurtures, nourishes and guides us in the path that we should go. He’s our great provider. This understanding was what inspired David to say“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
David understood what it meant to be a shepherd, having been one as a young lad. In his discussion with King Saul, he said“Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him”(1 Samuel 17:34-35). He knew that a shepherd was charged with the responsibility to protect, lead, and provide the right pasture, water and shelter for his sheep.
Thus, it’s the Lord’s primary responsibility as your shepherd, to nurture, guide, protect and provide for you. You need to know and relate with the Lord as your shepherd. That way, you won’t need to struggle through life, trying to make things work by your own ability. All you need do is follow His leading, guidance and instructions and He’ll guide you into everything you require for the good life!
In John 10:11 Jesus described Himself as the good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”Your Good Shepherd loved you enough to die for you, and He lives in your heart today, guiding you by the Holy Spirit in the path of God’s destiny for your life. Always, be conscious that the Lord is your Shepherd, and He cares about you. He’s more willing and enthusiastic about your success, progress and prosperity than you could ever be!
Prayer
Dear Father,
I rejoice today, knowing that you’re with me, shielding and protecting me from all evil and guiding me to streams of peaceful waters. Your kindness, love, mercy and grace encompass me round about, and I’ll live forever under your divine protection, for you’re my refuge,
in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20-21
