If you have any history of religious practices in your life or have attended a Christian funeral, then you most likely have heard Psalm 23. Some of you may even know it by heart from memorizing it in Sunday school.
Psalm 23 (CEB)
A psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
he leads me to restful waters;
3 he keeps me [a] alive.
He guides me in proper paths
for the sake of his good name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger because you are with me.
Your rod and your staff—
they protect me.
5 You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!
6 Yes, goodness and faithful love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live[b] in the Lord’s house
as long as I live.
Footnotes
- Psalm 23:3 Or my soul
- Psalm 23:6 LXX; MT I will return
If you live your life separated from God, you are not only running on self-propulsion; but you are being driven by an infinite number of fears dressed in countless disguises. Not only are you isolated from God, living a life based on fear, but you are also in extreme danger. This world’s principalities and powers (the wolves) come only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). You are in desperate need of a Shepherd, along with everyone else in the world.
There is GREAT NEWS!!! Jesus came to save the lost sheep of the world. If Jesus is your Shepherd, then the promises listed in Psalm 23 are yours for the taking. Your kingdom calling then turns from being saved to helping lead other lost sheep to the shepherd. Your purpose statement will soon become “Kingdom People Helping People Find and Follow Jesus.”
Sheep follow their shepherd, and the shepherd watches over the sheep. If you don’t know who your shepherd is, it is YOU, no pun intended. You need to fire that shepherd and follow God’s chosen Shepherd. In the privacy of your own heart, ask Jesus to be the Shepherd of your life. It is the greatest act of faith you can ever take. Start following your newfound Shepherd in all of His ways, and the promises listed in psalm 23 will be fulfilled in your life, and the Lord will bless countless sheep through your living testimony and example.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- Who is your shepherd, or do you even have one?
- Why is Psalm 23 so famous among Christians?
- Would the people closest to you say you are a good sheep or a bad sheep?
- Why is Jesus referred to as a lamb if He is a shepherd?
- How can you be both a lamb and a shepherd?
Prayer
Psalm 23 Prayer¹
“Father, thank You for being my Shepherd, the One who leads my life. Stand on the hillsides where I can see You. Don’t let me miss You. As a sheep, I will look to You, listen to Your voice, and follow Your leading. I trust You to be the good Shepherd, the wise Shepherd, the loving Shepherd, and the strong Shepherd in my life.” In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will and not mine be done now and forever. Amen.
Thanks for the devotion, Cant imagine my Life without jesus. Was taught early in life that Jesus was my best friend so blessed to have had two god fearing parents
Thank you, Ellen, you are an amazing disciple.