Gods hand reaching out, religion, salvation, forgiveness, assistance and love concept
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
My Good Shepherd
You have definitely been that to me. I have definitely been what to you? You have definitely been my Good Shepherd. I am glad that you know that to be true. Tell me how I have been your Good Shepherd. I could start by saying that I have been like a sheep that has gone astray. I should add the words stubborn and stupid to that description. I have been like a stubborn and stupid sheep that has gone astray. How so? I have frequently wandered off and gotten myself into deep trouble. I have gone where I shouldn’t have gone. I have done what I shouldn’t have done. My own actions have left me bruised and battered and broken. Yet, you pursued me. You went after me. You would not let me go. It was your kindness and mercy and love that brought me back to you. That’s true. You brought me to a quiet place in green pastures, by still waters, where you could revive and refresh and restore my soul. Like a Good Shepherd, you healed my bruised and battered and broken life. Yes, I did all of this for you. You haven’t stop working in me. How so? You turned my life around. You fanned the flame of my desire to love and follow and serve you. You made me want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. For that, I could not be more grateful and thankful. That’s very good.
But there is much more. Tell me about it. You are with me, to help me, I know that now. Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns, almost like a roller coaster. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me. Even if and when I walk through a valley within the shadow of death, I will not be afraid. Why is that? You will comfort me. You will strengthen me. You will lead and guide me through all that life throws against me. Yes, I will, have no doubt about that. I have no doubts. You have even been with me when I have been in the presence of those who are or once were my enemies. Even then, I have had your peace dwelling in me. Your blessing has been on me. I have felt your favor. Your goodness and mercy and love has been with me wherever you have led me and in whatever you have given me to do for you. Yes, I have blessed you. Yes, My favor rests on you. Yes, I will be with you to help you every day of your life. One day, I will take my last step in this life and my next step will be into eternal life in heaven with you. That will be a glorious day. Dwelling with you forever in heaven is what gives me joy and hope and peace in this life. I know where I am headed. That is very good. Yes, it is. Thank you, Lord, for being my Good Shepherd.
Lord, thank you for being my Good Shepherd. You have been guiding me throughout all of life. You have provided all that I have needed. You have revived, refreshed and restored my soul. You have been leading me on the path of life as I have followed you. Amen
Key Question… When has the Lord led you to a place to lie down so He could revive, refresh and restore your soul?
Living It Out… Allow the Lord, your Good Shepherd, to lead and guide you through life.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is your Good Shepherd, who will be with you to lead and guide you through life.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been your Good Shepherd to lead you through life.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord, your Good Shepherd, to lead and guide you through life.
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