Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd...

 In my studies this morning I was looking up, what is a shepherd?  What does it mean to shepherd people?    In 2nd Samual 5:1-5 it talks about "the Shephard King", referring to David who was a shepherd and many years later became a king.  I look at Jesus, he was born in a manger in a barn.  In the Bible there are many references to the Shepherd and the Sheep. Jesus being the Shepherd and his followers being the sheep.

To shepherd means to lead and guide.  I just took a spiritual gifts test and my top 3 strengths are Administrative, Serving & Shepherding.  So my curiosity and study of Advent this month of December has brought me to Psalm 23, 

    "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  Even though I walk though 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.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

At first I read through this quickly and said to myself, well I know this scripture, I memorized it once.  There's nothing in here for me.  Wohhh, slow down Bec, slow down and read this as if for the first time.  

This scripture spoke loudly to me about Jesus's character.  About who He is and what He does for me and has done for me.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall NOT WANT."  He has provided for my every need.  

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters."  He has comforted me, and gives me rest and provides a quiet stillness when things are uncertain and disheveled.

"He restores my soul."  He has restored my defeated, worn out, tired and discouraged soul.

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."  He has led and continues to lead me down the "right" path for His Good and my good.  Choosing obedience to Christ restores our hearts.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  Thank you Jesus for saving me from my own dark destruction. When I walk with Christ our shepherd He keeps me from falling into the gorge or crevice.

"for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  When I pursue a relationship with Christ, He holds me close and comforts me; no matter how dark it gets.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". You call my name and invite me to sit and partake of your goodness even in the midst of those with questionable character.  You removed people from my life that didn't line up with your goodness.  You've asked me to stop drinking indefinitely, since my drinking alcohol doesn't serve you.

"You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." You give me purpose, something I had been looking for, for 35+ years.  You speak truth into my lies and you fill me with your love.  You ask me to pass that love and mercy onto others. This makes me think of the "self care" quote, "you can't pour from an empty cup". God fills my cup, He must fill my cup or what can I give to others.  I must find rest in Christ, I must find guidance and comfort in Christ because, I shall want for nothing if He is my shepherd.  

Do you see this?  Do you see how this scripture speaks directly into your life, into your journey, into your challenges, into your faith, into your heart and your soul?

Me choosing You, Jesus or You choosing me, has changed my life forever.  Intentionally pursuing you Jesus, as the Lord of my Life.  Reading your Word, getting in your presence.  I pray I remain there forever.

Amen!!

What's the difference between Disciple vs Shepherd?  Maybe for my next post.