TEXT: PSALM 23:1 NKJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Discussion
Our Bible text for today is a statement by David, who knew what it meant to be a shepherd because he had once been one himself. Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known psalms in the world, yet many of us do not fully grasp its message. Sheep do not need to worry about shelter, food, or protection because, as long as the shepherd is with them, they know they are safe.
David declared that the Almighty God is his Shepherd, which means there is no reason to panic over any situation or circumstance. The shepherd provides for the needs of the sheep. Likewise, the Almighty God is your Provider.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
God is able to take very good care of us. No matter how pressing our needs may be, if we call upon the name of the Lord, He will hear us and come to our aid.
The shepherd protects the sheep from predators that seek to attack them.
Psalm 91:4 says, “He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Our God is able to deliver us from every predator that seeks our lives. It does not matter how fierce the spiritual attack may be; the Almighty God is able to deliver us from our enemies. As long as we remain under His care, we have the assurance that we are safe in the hollow of His hand.
Sometimes the shepherd uses a rod to correct the sheep, but it is always for their good. In the same way, God may discipline us for our wrong steps or actions, but His love for us is incomparable. Likewise, there are times when we pray for certain things, and it may seem as though God has not answered our prayers. Perhaps He has answered, but not in the way we expected, because He sees the end from the beginning. He can make today’s seeming disappointment work together for our good tomorrow.
However, the sheep also have responsibilities.
Responsibilities of the Sheep
1. Obedience to the Shepherd
Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” As God’s sheep, we must listen to His voice and obey His instructions.
2. Trust and Submission to the Shepherd
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
We must trust that God knows what is best for us and that He is always working for our good. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans for us are plans for peace, hope, and a future.
3. Ask the Shepherd for Help
Every sheep bleats when it is in need. Likewise, we should not assume that because God knows our needs, we do not need to pray. Instead, we should ask Him specifically for what we need.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Declarations:
I shall not keep silent when I need help from the Lord. I shall trust in the Lord and remain obedient to His instructions. I know that I am safe in the hollow of His hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
