THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Psalm 23 has been a very familiar Psalm since my growing-up days. We memorized it in Sunday School at church, as well as during our Bible classes in school. It has been a “go-to” Scripture when we feel scared, uncertain, and weak.

While reading and meditating on this Psalm again, the picture of the Lord (Jesus) as our Shepherd and me, specifically, as the sheep, brought a deeper realization that I am lost without Him and that I need Him 24/7, not just when I am in a difficult circumstance.

In context, the role of a shepherd is a 24/7 responsibility of providing, protecting, and guiding the sheep. Providing includes leading the flock to fresh pastures and clean water sources. Protection involves vigilantly watching over them and guarding them against wild animals. Guidance entails leading the sheep through the right terrain and making sure that none of them get lost.

More than meeting the physical needs of the sheep is ensuring that they are emotionally healthy by caring for them when they are sick, tending to their injuries, assisting the mother ewes while birthing, and helping nurse their lambs. The presence of the shepherd brings comfort, security, and certainty in every path they travel.

This new year, may you experience the fullness of the Lord as your shepherd through:

• a personal relationship with Him,

• the sufficiency of His protection and care,

• security through material provision and emotional care,

• and spiritual nourishment through worship and His Word.

As a “sheep” of the Lord, my Shepherd, I will fully depend on Him and follow Him all the days of my life.

Psalm 23 (esv)

A Psalm of David.

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

3He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.