Surely the 23rd Psalm is one of the favorite Scriptures the world over. “The Lord is my shepherd” introduces us to a most blessed thought. It brings us to a place of dependence on the shepherd because the sheep is one of the most helpless creatures. Sometimes we find ourselves in such a quandary. We don’t know what to do. We don’t have the answer. We must look beyond ourselves for help.
The shepherd not only protects the sheep from the attack of the wolf or the bear but is responsible for knowing where the sheep can find green grass and be safe. The shepherd watches the skies and monitors the weather and makes sure the sheep is protected in his care.
If a sheep falls into the water, it will drown. Because of the way its nose sort of curls up, it cannot drink of turbulent water or it will drown. I have read that if a sheep falls on its back that it cannot get up without the help of the shepherd. The sheep cannot even clean itself. If it were not for the shepherd, the sheep would perish. We are not so different.
If it were not for the shepherd (Jesus) we would drown in the pollution of the world. We were all sinners and could not clean ourselves up but need the help of the Shepherd. The sheep knows the voice of the shepherd and will not follow another. We must be the same way. Jesus and only Jesus provides for us the way and if we want to be safe from the wiles of the devil we must follow Him.
Sometimes we want to run along and choose what pastures we will find rest in. We like to be in charge. However, if we truly want to be part of what verse 3 of the 23rd Psalm says, (Ps 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake) we must look to Jesus and trust Him in all the issues of life.
When we are afraid He will restore our faith. When we are discouraged, He will give us hope. When we are lonely He will be a friend to us. When we are sick He will be our healer.
He is all the Bible says He is and will do all the Bible says He will do. When verse 1 declares (The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.) it means just what it says.We must recognize who He is and trust Him in all our situations. He may not respond the way you hoped or instantly showed up on the scene but He loves you and you can believe what the 23rd Psalm declares. Verse 1 says that we shall not want. That means trust, believe, have faith and know in your heart that Jesus is faithful. All power is in His hands and He does not want you to fail or perish. Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Maranatha!
PSALM 23
