The Good Shepherd

Scripture: (Romans 15:4-6) For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you ever need a reminder of how great God is? Have you ever been in a place of despair and have forgotten that you have the best protector and provider the world has ever known? Have you ever needed to talk to someone but no one was readily available? The Lord is a top-notch therapist. His ability to uplift, comfort, and restore has never been topped. Have you been so out of sorts with anger or frustration that you needed guidance? God’s word not only acts as a guide (Psalm 119:105) but it also acts as a reminder of what the Lord is to His people. Psalm 23, is a six-verse compilation that assures, uplifts, and reminds us that the Good Shepherd, our Lord, protects, provides, restores, and keeps us close.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
The Lord is my caretaker; He provides everything I need.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
The Lord gives me rest.
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.
The Lord gives me deep peace and replenishment.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The Lord directs my steps so I can represent Him well.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.
The Lord protects me through even the worse situations and against great evil; I don’t have to be afraid
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me
The Lord’s Word directs me, provides protection, & keeps me close to Him
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
The Lord blesses me publicly
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
The Lord protects my mind & heart so I can have peace and His oil supply is endless.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
Without a doubt, the Lord’s blessings and mercy shall run after me as long as I live
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever
And I will have eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your Word that is not only a lamp unto our feet but ointment that soothes our emotional and mental wounds. Thank you for being our protector and our provider. Thank you for blessing us in the midst of storms and in battles. Thank you for the assurance that Your Word provides; without it we would be lost. In addition, thank you for Your Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross so we can have everlasting life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

(by Pat Towns)