The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:1-3 K.J.V.).
Psalm 23: 1-3 is one of the Psalms of David written from his own experiences as a shepherd boy caring for sheep (1 Samuel 16:10). The nature of sheep is a complete dependence on the Shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection from the good Shepherd. The New Testament references Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
Because the Lord is our good Shepherd, we are his sheep, which should give us the confidence to follow not as disobedient and frightful animals but as obedient followers perceiving the necessity that His leading will not lead us into dark alleys and passageways but into ways filled with joy and light.
One perspective of the Psalm is that David has chosen not to focus entirely on the sheep's natural animal tendencies but on the discipleship characteristics of those following God.
P.O.V. When one recognizes the Good Shepherd should be a natural attraction to follow without hesitation.
Understanding God's ability to guide us fosters contentment in every area of our lives. However, even with this knowledge, choosing to create your happiness will lead to disappointment and environments filled with discontentment.
Trusting the good Shepherd that He knows where the "green meadows and peaceful streams" needed to restore us is a key to our survival.
We can't find these places independently because of limited perception and human positions. We need the good Shepherd to guide us so that we will not continue to stumble and fall.
Remember, the next time you feel the temptation to rebel against His leading is an act of rebelling against your own best interests.
That certainly is not going to benefit your life!
As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Praise God.
Depending on God,
Minister Sylvia Joyner
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