The LORD Is My Shepherd!

The LORD Is My Shepherd!

The LORD is My Shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

Our great God is portrayed as a faithful Shepherd caring for, providing for, protecting, and guiding His sheep.  According to this imagery, we Believers are His sheep, but not dumb, frighten, and passive animals. Instead our prescribed role is one of submissive disciples wisely following our Lord’s faithful leadership. This is the instructive illustration God desires for us to grasp. He wants to lead us into green pastures, beside still waters, and even through the valley of the shadow of death when the time comes. This means life with our Lord at every twist, turn, and fork in the road. His Presence and wonderful company every step of the way is our grand allotment.

Following this reasoning, complications like anxieties related to provisions, worries about the future, or over-wrought concerns over present circumstances are largely out of place. These do not fit Christ's disciples as they dog the heels of Jehovah, our Shepherd! If we often struggle in these areas, it indicates our faith and confidence in the Shepherd is inadequate. Steps must be taken to familiarize ourselves with His leadership and glorious Person. Feeding in the green pastures of His Word with diligence and concentration is the key to dislodging such concerns. The more truth fills our perspectives, the more our hearts assume a posture of rest and repose in His wisdom, power, grace, and love. "Still waters" will characterize our minds instead of turbulent seas; knowing Him brings peace and quiet to the soul of His followers.

Since the LORD is our Shepherd, we "shall not want"! We shall not want for care, provisions, protection, or guidance. Our Shepherd has a firm hand on all these concerns. If we presume to take on these legitimate points of interest independently and move unilaterally without our Shepherd, He will allow deviations for a season. But, why would anyone forsake the leadership and guidance of the Lord Jesus? Actually, a number of reasons come to mind. Perhaps we have come to believe we are missing out on something--pleasure, prosperity, a certain person of interest, or a "great" opportunity for career advancement. Perhaps we think something is missing so we wander off looking for whatever we perceive is missing. We confuse the potency of a desire with legitimacy. Actions are justified merely because the wandering sheep "feels" they need this, that or the other. Many rationalize their actions by the fact that they want something or someone so much; it has to be right or good, they reason. In reality and in moments of sanity, we freely admit that we do not need everything we want! However, in the interest of complete transparency, we all could honestly sing the old hymn, "prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." Though sheep sometimes wander off, real satisfaction is found only with the Shepherd of our souls.

We are much better off living in concert and harmony with the will of our faithful Shepherd! He is always there for us, His sheep. This is because He actually values us. Think about that! And why should His people be faithful to Him? Well, characteristically, His disciples have certain direction, abundant provisions, security in Christ, spiritual satisfaction, and peace flowing like a river. In addition, we a privileged to walk with our Shepherd to enjoy His company every day. What could be better than life with God? Beloved, this is an absolutely luxurious spiritual provision! Though we are completely dependent on our Shepherd LORD, we enjoy the journey as we follow Him. There really is no good thing that we stand in need of. Why not forsake the life plagued with fears and anxieties by consciously choosing to follow the Divine Shepherd.