The Good Shepherd

3:31 AM

David was a courageous and mighty warrior. But, David knew fear. He had to live on the run, fleeing for his life when King Saul was in pursuit of him to kill him. In many of the Psalms, we are privy to the expressions of David as he entrusts his circumstances to God. In the most known of all Psalms, David paints a beautiful picture of the relationship between sheep and their shepherd which parallels the relationship that we have with God. It is a relationship of love and protection that can calm our worries and fears.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

David was a shepherd in his youth and he knew that being a good shepherd was critical for the well being of a flock of sheep. Sheep are completely dependent on a shepherd for their needs. On their own, they would not survive. We, too, have spiritual needs that can only be met in the care of our Creator. David took comfort in being dependent on the Lord for he knew that he would be well cared for and have the best quality of life. Shepherds knew their sheep so well that they would give them individual names and the sheep would respond to the voice of their shepherd. Jesus promised us an intimate relationship like that.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”

John 10:14

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:

Sheep needed nutrient rich pastures. The shepherd would seek out and move the sheep to varying places to ensure they had good pastures to graze in. Because the sheep were fearful creatures, and usually fearful of running water, the shepherd would often find quieter pools of water for them to drink from. The quiet and nourishment helped the flock remain calm and rested.

God provides spiritual nourishment for us through His Word and promises us rest for our souls. The more we know His Word and seek his counsel, the more comforted and at peace we will be. Our time with the Lord should be like a restoring oasis, helping us deal with the depleting trials of everyday life.

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Shepherds often have to lead their sheep through precarious places, and it is imperative that the sheep stay on the safe path. If the sheep were threatened by predators, the shepherd had the weapons and tools to fight off the attackers and the tools to reach for and retrieve any lost strays. Jesus has already defeated our greatest enemy, Satan. No power of evil can prevail against him. We have been given the gift of eternal salvation and we have been made righteous through Christ. We do not have to fear death.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

We do not live in a perfect world. We have enemies to deal with and we will have illnesses and varying trials as well. Jesus promises to be with us and to help us, providing care and comfort. Even in the midst of evil, we can know the blessings and provision of the Lord. Shepherds often used oil to attend to physical impairments and injuries the sheep suffered and we have the Great Physician as our minister. God wants us to entrust our fears, our sufferings and worries to His wisdom and provision.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

David knew many trials in his lifetime but his outlook remained positive because he focused on God’s goodness and mercy and on the eternal future promised to him. Our focus on the goodness of God and all that awaits us in heaven can help us dispel the fears of the unknown. Day by day, step by step, we need to trust that God will guide us, care for us, and bless us as we humbly submit to His leadership and are obedient to His will.

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