The Lord is My Shepherd

 By: Joanne Viola

For the next several weeks, each Monday, we are going to go through the familiar passage of Psalm 23. Phrase by phrase, we will dig a little deeper to uncover the precious truths and hidden treasure found in this beloved and oft quoted psalm.

Most, if not all of us, know this psalm by heart. The imagery is rich and immediately calls to mind a picture of a shepherd walking with his sheep.

“The Lord is my Shepherd …” (Psalm 23:1, NLT)

“After all, he [David] knew from firsthand experience the lot in life of any particular sheep depended on the type of man who owned it. Some men were gentle, kind, intelligent, brave and selfless in their devotion to their stock. Under one man sheep would struggle, starve, and suffer endless hardship. In another’s care they would flourish and thrive contentedly.

(from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller, page 17)

What can we learn about our Shepherd from this simple declaration?

• There is no one better able to take care of us than our Shepherd. He created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1, NIV). His heart is for us to come to know Him so intimately, that we entrust ourselves to His love and attention.
• He already paid the price for us. Much the way a shepherd purchases their flock. our lives have been purchased and paid for by the precious life of Christ. The words to the old hymn come to mind: “Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe, my sin had left a crimson stain, but He washed it white as snow.”
• Our Shepherd delights in caring for us continually. He never tires of the job, nor sleeps on the job. “The one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps” (Psalm 121:3-4, NLT). His care is constant.

“The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his Shepherd,
because the devil does not fear sheep.
He only fears the Shepherd.”
(A. W. Tozer)

 

 

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