Life with a Shepherd

‎Psalm 23:1  A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

David was not asking the Lord to be his shepherd.  He was not even claiming, or hoping, that God would be his shepherd at that moment only, or for a specific situation.  David was proclaiming, affirming, or confirming that the Lord was His shepherd, has always been His shepherd, and will continue to be his shepherd.

This is why he was not “in want”.  He wasn’t after anything, because he was not his own shepherd.  The Lord was His shepherd.  He trusted that the Lord would provide, always.

This is why in David’s life he let the Lord MAKE HIM lie down in green pastures, LEAD HIM beside quiet waters, and RESTORE him, and GUIDE him to paths of righteousness.  The Lord was his shepherd.  He did not seek green pastures and quiet waters by himself.  He did not choose his own path.  The Lord was his shepherd.

Even through “valley of the shadow of death” experiences David did not fear, because the Lord was his shepherd.  He knew that the Lord’s would protect him (with the rod), and guide him (with the staff).  It wasn’t where he was that mattered, it was all about being with his shepherd.

He would be protected, even in the presence of enemies.  He would always be refreshed and filled.  He was sure that goodness and love would follow him.  The Lord was his shepherd.  He made sure that His sheep were cared for always.

Are you still hoping that the Lord will be your shepherd?  Is it only in certain circumstances that you seek His guidance?  Or is He already our shepherd?  Have you made the decision to make the Lord your shepherd?  The only way we will enjoy the same assurance, security and faith of David is if the Lord IS our shepherd.