Prayer – O Lord, You are my shepherd…protecting the guiding me, providing everything I need including healthy food and pure safe water, restoring my soul so that I can walk honestly as a person of integrity. Even when times are tough, You are always with me. You even help me face my enemies—like anxiety and fear—and abundantly bless me. You are so good to me…and have even offered a place in Your home for eternity. I accept Your offer—and I so look forward to living with You…forever. Thank you.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He
lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews
my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even
when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close
beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast
for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with
oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the
LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6
Sheep grazing in Israel
The Lord is their shepherd.
Is the Lord your shepherd?
Meditate. Consider God’s guidance and protection in
scripture.
.
This is the classic Psalm. Most people memorize it as a
child…and personally, I find it such a blessing—it covers everything. Food,
shelter, protection, blessings, and one of the best promises ever—unfailing love.
Everyone needs and wants love. To love and be loved…the most basic of human
needs. A life without love results in anger, bitterness, and a very lonely and
possibly, an unhealthy existence. But God promises here to pursue me. Can you
see God running after me…or you? He won’t abandon either of us, since He is
continually pursuing us.
At funerals and memorial services this is the classic
scripture used to comfort those left behind. It provides an assurance that not
only the deceased, but we all can dwell in the House of the Lord forever. God
doesn’t tell the reader that they have to believe in Jesus as their Savior to
get into that heavenly home with Him, but if someone does believe in Jesus,
then they can certainly claim that the Lord is their shepherd—providing,
protecting, and continually blessing them. You may not think of yourself as a
sheep…but David was a shepherd and he is visually providing us with this picture
of a shepherd that is the ultimate caretaker. Shepherds risk their lives to protect
their sheep. Although I grew up on a farm, we never had any sheep. Still, I know
the dedication it takes to care for farm animals…and children. I’m glad that
Jesus is my shepherd. Is the Lord your shepherd?
Verses of Salvation ~ Jesus responded, "Salvation
has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of
Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Luke
19:9-10
Memory Verse of the Week ~ But now, O Jacob, listen
to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do
not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M. Hacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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