The Lord is my Shepherd.
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
(Yes, we can really come to the place in our experience that we can say that.)
I have always loved the picture of Jesus as my Shepherd.
He is holding a small lamb (and I was one of those once—yes it was a long time ago).
Beside Him is a sheep, looking up and following Him. (Now I am one of those.)
As Shepherd, He leads us out; which is to say, He wakes us up with us in the morning and leads us to work, school, or whatever chore or duty we have.
John 10:3 “To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”
As Shepherd, He guides us. It is into circumstances where we may grow and get stronger in faith. And it is into rest, whether it is a quiet time, or peace amid our busy day. He is there, giving it to us.
Psalm 23:2-3 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
And when there are dangers (and there are many in this life, from others, from temptations); He will guide us away from them, or protect us through them. He does correct us when we are following a wrong way, but always in love, to bring us back to Him.
John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steel, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Psalm 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
And when illness and the “shadow of death” come, (for it is a shadow for every born again one. In Death we close our eyes here, and open them in heaven with Him, forever). Then He is there (yes, I know His presence, by experience in illness, and operation).
Psalm 23:4 “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.”
He is ALWAYS there.
Yes, as His born again ones, we are blessed, and can say:
Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
With Him before me, and goodness and mercy behind me; I am covered with His care.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 