The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
I can picture David out in the field keeping watch over his flock of sheep. I can hear him chuckle as he recites the names he assigned his sheep based on their personalities. Much like the 7 Dwarfs, he probably had Happy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Sneezy, and certainly Baah-shful.
David knows that his sheep need constant attention and are deeply dependent on him. As he cared for his sheep, David recognized the care he was giving was similar to the care he was receiving from God. Psalm 23 is a reflective poem he wrote describing his life as God’s sheep and God his Great Shepherd.
David begins this psalm by proudly proclaiming God as his owner. The Lord is MY Shepherd. In affirming his personal relationship with God, he ascribes the authority of his life and his full trust in his Master. Once surrendered to God’s care, we develop a strong confidence in His provision. With God as our Shepherd, we lack no good thing. Our Shepherd fulfills all our needs. When predators are present, He is our protector. When we are hungry, He is our provider. His genuine interest in our healthy development and safety are His priority. He is always present during our time of need.
David wrote more on the magnitude and depth of God’s attentive care when he said, “O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:1-5
Is the Lord your Shepherd? Are you willingly following His leadership and do you know His care? I encourage you to put your trust in Him. Not to do so would be Dopey.
Blessings,
.