My Shepherd and Me
Psalm 23 is my favorite scripture of all time; it is the first one I memorized as a child, taught to my baby brothers, and to my sons. It is a Psalm I often worship and pray in the Spirit with; I dive into this scripture every time my need takes over, which I’ll be honest, is most days.
This short song by the shepherd boy King, David, means so much to so many since its inception, because it reveals our Heavenly Father's heart for us. Every time we read, pray, study or sing Psalms 23, The Father’s faithfulness, the Holy Spirit’s comfort and the Savior’s unconditional love envelop us, whispering to all of us little lost lambs running around this great big planet, Who we belong to and who we are.
Psalm 23 shows us how beautiful our lives can be from birth to eternity as we follow The Lord.
Psalm 23 has 2 protagonists: the sheep and the Shepherd. Sheep usually have a low reputation of being meek and following blindly, so it’s not surprising that we don’t always want to identify with this wooly creature. There are also times, as in my young adult season of life, when I’ve felt more like a lost cub on an island of lone wolves. Psalm 23 shows us a better way of living, a reality with a hope and a future, where being under the refuge of the Loving Shepherd leads to the most liberating, empowering and fruitful life.
The Shepherd holds a vital, but thankless job. It’s a job that doesn’t pay well or comes with much respect; it’s a 24/7 job of great responsibility, self-sacrifice, hardship, discomfort and danger. Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, humbled Himself to take earthly form, to serve, suffer, sacrifice His Life and care for us in every way.
The Good Shepherd protects, corrects and provides for his sheep as we traverse through hostile and treacherous terrain, even death valleys. The Shepherd guides his sheep to meet our every need, including food, water, and rest. The rod and staff of God’s Word are among the tools of His trade. He pulls us away from stuck places with the crook of His staff. The Shepherd uses the rod to fend off any danger; not even lions and bears will stand in the way of His duty of care. Every lost sheep is found and kept safe under the watchful eye of the Good Shepherd. Moreover, the Shepherd even takes preventative and healing measures, pouring the oil of The Holy Spirit on the heads of His sheep to prevent sunstroke, protect them from parasites that could cause sickness or death, and heal any wounds.
Yes, Jesus Christ our Shepherd fights for us, against sin, death, our flesh and principalities.
The Shepherd provides the sheep with abundance, preparing banqueting tables for us filled with nourishing feasts, under the banner of His love. The Shepherd raises His sheep with their sheep framily so we are supporting each other and walking together with the One Who guides us--Immanuel, God with us. The Shepherd knows each one of us, His precious sheep. The sheep knows His voice, trusts and looks to the Shepherd for all things all of the days of our earthly lives and be with the Good Shepherd forever.
What if we all lived in a Psalms 23 world where our lone wolf days were over?
What if we stopped striving and depending on ourselves to survive?
We can live a powerful life being a part of the Good Shepherd’s family, in community, caring for each other in our walk with Christ. We can live a life, not devoid of hardships or hazards, but in an eternal, intimate covenant relationship with our Good Shepherd, knowing that all things are possible through Christ Who strengthens us.
In Christ, we have all we need for every moment, every situation, every predicament, every failure, every pain and every need.
God is with us, leading us, healing us, protecting us, preparing us, providing for us, and restoring us to thrive, to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly, in our life with Christ. The Lord is our shepherd. We shall not want. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives and we will live in the House of the Lord, forever. Praise God and Amen.
A Selah (pause and reflect) Moment:
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Explore the relationship between you and Your Shepherd. Have the Holy Spirit help you identify your season in life, your thoughts, emotions and needs. Have the Holy Spirit help you take stock of your body, your heart, mind and spirit. Is there any place where you feel alone, fearful, in need or lost?
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Ask Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who is always with you, waiting with open arms, to come into that place and fill that space with The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Ask knowing it shall be given to you and your loved ones: the rest, the provision, the nourishment, the protection, the guidance, the hope, the boldness and mercy.
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Repeat Psalm 23 until the truth of the Good Father’s oh so tangible love for you permeates through your entire being.
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If you are ready (The Holy Spirit will guide you), take it one step further and ask the Lord to increase your capacity, energy and love to shepherd others into a deeper relationship with Christ.
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Book Suggestion: Safe in the Shepherd’s Arms by Max Lucado