Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
 
Often, people will exclaim the Lord being their shepherd. The Lord being in relationship to the people under his care. Knowing exactly what they need, when, and the direction that they need to go. On our own it can be difficult to know which direction to take, which opportunity is wise, what is the right step to take.

Shepherds were often close to the sheep that they looked after. They knew their sheep’s fears, which ones were prone to wander, and the dangers that were constantly nearby. Exclaiming the lord as my shepherd is one of close relationship. God knowing our fears, what will entice us to walk away, and the dangers to keep us from developing a close intimate relationship. When we claim that God is our shepherd, we believe that we can trust him with our circumstances no matter the situation. God cares for each one of us. 

When we allow God to shepherd us our deepest needs are met. The psalmist cries out “I shall not want” it is not bad to want possessions such as clothes, cars, or devices. Here the psalmist is stating, the essentials he is not lacking because they can all be found in God. His safety, direction, rest, and provision are found in God. We can turn to God for what we truly need.

Today there are many sources that tell us what we need, the direction we should go, and even how to get there. When we allow God to shepherd us, we no longer strive after certain effects but, learn to be content with what we have. God knows exactly what each one of us needs.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to trust you as our shepherd. When we are worried or stressed help us to place our concerns at your feet for you know exactly what each of us need.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins