GOOD SHEPHERD

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1,2.

               Psalm 23 reminds us that in life or in death, in times of plenty or want, God is good and all sufficient. This psalm uses the metaphor of a shepherd’s care for his sheep to reveal the truth that Jesus is our Shepherd. He is our Good Shepherd, Comforter and the Restorer of our souls. 

               We may go through tough situations in life when our faith is tested; but we need to remind ourselves that God is leading us in certain ways to bring glory to Himself. Right in the middle of our situations, God manifests His power and might. He leads us gently and lovingly, knowing what is best for His sheep. Also the psalm goes on to say that He is our Comforter. God often uses the valleys of life to reveal areas in our hearts that need to be refined and corrected; yet in the midst of those valleys, He comforts us. He gives us His strength, as He remembers our weaknesses.

               In the Gospel of John 10:14-15, Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.... I will lay down My Life for the sheep.” Isn’t this the most amazing love of Christ Jesus? He knows us completely (our flaws, sins and selfishness) and yet still loves us unconditionally and sacrificed His own life for us! This gives us ‘hope’ even in times of great despair and struggle. As a flock let us cast everything unto Him and trust Him alone, for He cares for us as a Good Shepherd. We are safe in His Hands.