Wednesday, March 17
Jesus Is My Shepherd
By Nancy Larson
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 (KJV)
Psalm 23 was the first section of the Bible I memorized. Memorizing Scripture passages helped me earn "money" toward summer camp. I learned it for my first year at King’s Ranch Bible Camp/Trout Lake Bible Camp in Minnesota. I had just finished third grade and our family was in the middle of moving to IOWA!
Verse 4 was a big one for me. “I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.” Knowing I was going to camp for the first time and that my parents would be in Iowa checking out where we would be moving to, I kept thinking about this verse. I thought of a shepherd’s staff—how it guides, protects, and keeps the sheep from harm.
Now I think of times I didn't know where to go or turn. Those were times of being still and talking to the Shepherd and listening to where He was leading me.
Rick's folks have raised sheep. As we helped sheer the sheep one spring, I learned many things. Their skin, if nicked, turned into a huge hole. They are major followers. They KNOW their shepherd’s/owner’s voice. Rick's mom would go into the pen to get one to sheer; she'd just start talking and they would come up to her. They are pretty dumb animals. Sheep can't even right themselves if on their backs.
As for me, I know the Shepherd. I know my cup runneth over. He's blessed me more than ever with my family, granddaughters, and our church family. I'm thankful that I'm one of His sheep. I don't know what or where I'd be if He wasn't my Shepherd!
Don't count sheep; talk to the Shepherd.
Is Jesus your Shepherd? Meditate on Psalm 23 and allow Jesus to speak to your heart.
Lord, I'm just like those dumb sheep and in desperate need of a shepherd
to take care of me. Help me to listen for Your voice, to be able to
distinguish Your voice, and to follow You.
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