My Good Shepherd and Me

Key Verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have what I need.” Psalms 23:1 (CSB)

If I am, to be honest, I have been prone to wander most of my life. One small nibble here and another there till just like a sheep in a pasture, I can so easily wander off. I can travel miles before I realize I have gone entirely off course. Recently, there have been a few clicks here and a few emails there to find I have easily wandered off wasting time I could have spent in greener pastures with My Shepherd.

I often wonder why my heart is easily distracted and prone to wander. And yet I am reminded, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have what I need.” Psalms 23:1 (CSB)

I’m glad He calls for me when I tend to travel away from the flock. I hear His voice, and it gently leads me back where it is safe. This Good Shepherd that I follow has a voice like no other. His words drop like honey, and his voice has a unique sound like music. I won’t attend after another’s voice. I am in awe that He feels the same about me. He consistently recognizes and listens to my voice with great care when I call His name.

He uses his special rod and staff to pull me from thickets and snares. He is always watching out for me, going before and often following close behind. He draws me close and comforts me when I need to feel Him near.

He anoints my head with oil, so “what if this” and “what if that” thoughts never steal my peace. Instead, he heals me from living life in fear and dread.

He makes me lie down to rest. Times when I don’t even know I have grown tired. He also leads me beside still quiet waters to still my soul when I have grown dry and thirsty in this weary land in which I live.

He restores my soul when I have grown tired. He always leads me in the right direction, helping me make the right decisions.

He prepares tables of good things and invites me to dine. Even though the enemy relentlessly pursues me, my Shepherd stands to guard me and keep him at bay. All the while making me eat at a table prepared just for me while he watches only from a distance.

There are times I get scared when I walk through valleys of uncertainty where I ponder if I will survive. Times when circumstances seem so much larger than they are. But my Shepherd always shields me from ruin. He knows when to lead me out before death rivers rush over me.

So surely good things and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Because I follow the Good Shepherd, I will be happy and free and will not want any good thing.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever where my soul is continuously fed, cared for, and watered. There in that extraordinary place where my ever wandering soul will find rest.

See you in the field,

Susan