The Lord Is My Shepherd

King David understood the power of God's love for us. He described the Lord as a shepherd, a loving caretaker of sheep, one who cared so deeply for his sheep that he would give his life for them.

David said, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want." David knew that when we trust completely in our Savior, his perfect love calms all of our fears. The Good Shepherd knows us by name, and he is constantly watching over us.

David said, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Can you imagine the Savior tenderly leading you to verdent pastures where you can rest from all your cares and worries? Can you see him guiding you to to living waters, where you drink and never thirst again? Can you feel him restore your soul with his healing touch?

Now, there will come times of trial in our lives. Some day we will will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but David reminds us we need not fear if we trust in God, for his rod and staff will comfort and protect us. Shepherds use their rods to protect and discipline their sheep, to drive away predators and to direct them away from danger. Staffs are long, slender sticks often with a hook at the end which shepherds use to draw their sheep to them or to guide them along a difficult path. Can you picture Jesus leading you along your journey, guiding and protecting you as your walk along trecherous paths? Can you feel his loving arms encircling you in your times of despair and darkness?

David said that Jesus will prepare a feast for us in the presence of our enemies. He promised that our Savior will anoint our heads with oil just as a shepherd binds up the wounds of his sheep with healing balm. "Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the LORD. "And I will heal them."

Oh, how we can rejoice! Jesus has overcome sin and death. He is the Light and the Life of the world. Our cups overflow with these blessings. With David, we can proclaim that "surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

© Carol Brown