Psalm 23 is probably the best-known Psalm. Did you memorize it as a kid—if not you might want to try to memorize it now? Years ago when my Mom was dying, she wanted me to recite that Psalm. I ended up singing it from memory because it was one of the first songs I learned in Junior Choir.
The shepherd in that
scripture is Jesus. If you were looking for Him in this book of the Bible,
you’ve found Him. Volumes of books have been written based on this scripture
passage that can go much deeper in thought and analysis of this Psalm of David.
LORD Jesus is my shepherd. I’m that one sheep that got lost, drifted away from the flock—and He left the other 99 sheep and came out into a storm and found me. Brought me home. I am grateful for that.
If a man
has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he
leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that
is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more
than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not
my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish. Matthew
18:12-14
Jesus is the great shepherd providing everything His
sheep need—green pastures where there is plenty to eat, safe water in which to
drink not drown, rest, strength, peace, and a safe path to follow with His
guidance, reassurance and protection so there is no fear. Additionally, we can
count on Jesus to provide good food right there with one’s enemies—whether
those or physical or spiritual foes. He provides a blessing and anointing with
a promise of love and eternal life.
Is
Jesus the shepherd of your life? Are you allowing Him to guide, protect and provide
for you—or do you just like to do everything for yourself? The choice is yours.
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
Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are my gracious shepherd and I long to see You face to face one day. In the meantime—please continue to guide me down the right path—Your path where I can even face terrible disappointments and death, fearless because You are with me. Thank You for providing everything I need.
Meditate.
Consider the overall protection and love of the Shepherd.
Verses
of Salvation ~ O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not
let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts
in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive
others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day
long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing
love, which you have shown from long ages past. Psalm 25:1-6
© 2025 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.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character
Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories
No comments:
Post a Comment