Do You Really Want A Shepherd?

This post is a repeat of my 10/2019 post. It's been so long I decided to start the series again. :)

The Lord is my Shepherd

I shall not want Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my Shepherd.

An amazing truth; an unchangeable fact.

If you have accepted Jesus’ forgiveness and are building a relationship with Him, He is your Shepherd.

Most of us picture a gentle Jesus carrying a lamb, with sheep gathered around Him. But really, when is life peaceful?

Bills, kids, work issues, to-do list at home, the list goes on. We might feel overwhelmed by the daily problems or decisions we face.

How wonderful to know that our Shepherd is right by our side to calm us, to strengthen us, and to guide us. We can say, as Jacob said to Joseph in Genesis 48:15, “God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.”

Jesus never takes a breath. He never tires of hearing your voice. He loves you beyond your wildest imagination.

We never walk alone; our Shepherd is continually with us.

I shall not want.

David didn’t end with the calm assurance that the Lord is my Shepherd, he proclaimed his choice to be satisfied with the life his Shepherd gave Him.

Wait a minute. I’d like to focus on the shepherd part and not acknowledge my responsibility stated in the second part of this verse. Do I simply want a shepherd who will care for me, or do I want a shepherd who expects me to follow him? 

Jesus is our faithful Shepherd, but we must choose to rest in his guidance and be satisfied with His provision.

I’ve got a great husband, a nice house, a reliable car, two perfect grandchildren, three fun grandpets, and a dog who loves me unconditionally.

But…

I see bigger houses and I want them. Surely they come with a maid!

I’ve always dreamed of having a Ferrari. My little Ford doesn’t cut it. Give me a bright red sports car!

Of course, I’m being frivolous, but, sometimes, I focus on what I don’t have rather than the unbelievable blessings that surround me. Too often, I live in a grass-is-always-greener world.

David was content with the blessings God gave him, no matter the circumstances.

• When he hid in a cave to escape men who wanted to kill him, David was at peace with his Shepherd (Psalm 57).
• When he and Bathsheba’s baby died, David recognized the justice of God’s punishment and was confident that God would forgive him a give him another son (Psalm 51).
• When his own son seized his throne and David had to flee Jerusalem, he was satisfied with the Lord’s provision (Psalm 3).

Paul expressed the same faith in Philippians 4:11, For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.

What does it mean to say, “I shall not want.”?

• We choose to be satisfied with what God provides, no matter how small.
• We choose to accept His guidance, even though we might not agree with His leading.
• We choose to follow where He leads, even though we might wish to go elsewhere.

Yes, that’s hard. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ll never reach this perspective. Through the difficulties in our lives, we can learn this one thing:

My Shepherd can be trusted with my life!

He [the Lord] tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs up in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

Let’s share: How do you see Jesus’ ministry as your Shepherd in your life?