The LORD is my shepherd – Psalm 23:1a
Psalm 23 is possibly the most popular chapter out of Psalms. Chances are you probably know it by heart. I know I’ve heard those six verses over and over my entire life, especially at funerals. But lately, as I was studying the chapter again, a thought came to me as I read verse 1, and I wanted to share that thought with you today.
Is the Lord your shepherd? If He is, are you allowing Him to feed you, to lead you, and to keep you?
Now, allow me to explain what I mean.
Feed You
Are you going to Him when you’re hungry (i.e. for love, attention, etc.). Do you seek Him when you need fulfillment or satisfaction? Or are you going to others or social media or TV?
I shall not want – Psalm 23:1b
The Hebrew word that was translated want means “to lack, to be without.” With Jesus, we lack for nothing. Philippians 4:19 assures us that God gives us what we need. After all, didn’t Jesus say that those who come to Him will never hunger (John 6:35)? So often, though, we try to find our satisfaction from the world rather than God. Or we go looking for love from the world instead of with God. When we try to fill up with things outside of Him, we will constantly be left hungry. But when we seek our fill at Jesus’ feet, we will always find satisfaction.
Lead You
Are you following Him where He tells you to go? Or are you getting distracted by things of the world?
…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3
When we follow God, He will lead us where we need to go (Ezekiel 34:14-15). The world will try to lead us down paths that will eventually harm us, but God will lead us in the paths of righteousness (Proverbs 8:20).
Keep You
Are you trusting Him to protect you? Or are you taking that upon yourself?
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. – Psalm 23:4a
When we find ourselves amidst the trials of life, it’s easy to try to take matters into our own hands, especially when we’re afraid. But God promised to never leave nor forsake us, and He is with us in the midst of trials (Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 43:2). Just think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God didn’t keep them from going into the fire, but He protected them from the fire (Daniel 3:23-26). Though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God will protect us. We need not take it upon ourselves. Who can do a better job than the Almighty?
Let the Lord Be Your Shepherd
If the Lord is your shepherd, then let Him be. We often fight Him and pull away, and the only explanation I have is that we’re fallible and hard-headed human beings.
God has proven to me time and time again that He knows what He’s doing. Yet I still find myself doubting Him, questioning Him. I still try to do things on my own. What’s amazing to me, though, is that every time I’ve gone astray, He’s sought me out and brought me back home. That every time I try to strike out on my own, He welcomes me back with open arms.
Yes, there are consequences. There are lessons I have to learn the hard way. But no matter what the world tries to say, I am at my best, my happiest, my most fulfilled when I’m allowing Him to feed me, lead me, and keep me.
