September 5, 2012
God, the Shepherd
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Who is in control of your life? Who directs your plans, dreams and goals? We all are influenced by something—our egos, our greed, our pride, our circumstances or our relationships. But only the Lord, the One who created us and every living thing, has the right to claim ownership on our lives.
In Psalm 23 David declares, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1). David acknowledges God as his shepherd. A sheep's life isn't easy—but no matter what the circumstances, the shepherd provides guidance and comfort. The Lord, Our Shepherd, is good and He always provides guidance and comfort for us.
We are never in need because our Shepherd cares for us. He provides us rest when we cannot carry on in our own strength. He quenches our thirst. He restores us and forgives us when we are broken and weak. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2-3).
Even in our darkest days, our Shepherd will remain with us: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). With the Shepherd leading us, we have nothing to fear—not the disappointments of life, the dark days, not even death itself. Whatever valley we go through, God is leading us to higher ground.
Prayer: God, thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for the guidance and comfort You give me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me" (Psalm 86:17).
