The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-4 NIV
David was a shepherd as a young man. His familiarity with caring for sheep shaped his understanding of the way he was shepherded, protected, and led by God as his shepherd. Though few of us have experience with sheep, his word pictures are so clear and understandable that this is one of the most familiar and beloved descriptions of the relationship with God available to us. Jesus deepened it while He lived here as a man by using the picture of Himself as the Good Shepherd. David tells us that when we follow the voice of the Shepherd, all needs are met. His leadership directs us to the resources and environments we need:
- He leads us to green pastures, the places that will nourish us.
- When life has exhausted us and our souls and spirits are dry, He leads us to refreshing waters that are still and quiet. We can drink deeply and our hearts are renewed. Strength flows back into our innermost parts.
- The Shepherd leads us into the right places. We are able to make the decisions that secure and stabilize our lives.
- Sometimes life will present a dark valley and we will be able to pass through with security and comfort because He never leads from a distance. He is with us in our hardest, most challenging days.
- When enemies stare us in the face, He is proud to be with us. He leads us to His table of grace and treats us with honor. We are surprised by joy!
When we follow the Shepherd, He makes certain we are guarded from behind as well. He assigns goodness and mercy (love in the NIV) to follow us every moment of every day of our lives. They follow us all the way to our new home, the house of the Lord, where we will dwell with Him forever. “Dwell” is better than simply live. Dwell means we will be deeply settled. What a voice to follow!
- My Shepherd, may I hear Your voice all the days of my life, all the way home.