A to Z Challenge: “S”hepherd, the Good one!

David’s Psalm 23 has always been a favorite of mine. There is something about the Lord as our Shepherd that I find comforting. It’s an image that is relatable and reminds me that God is active in my life as someone who gives guidance and refreshes my soul.

My friend Sandy knew this and cross-stitched a beautiful pattern of the Good Shepherd, had it framed and gave it to me as a Christmas present. It is amazingly beautiful! It has a prominent place in our dining room, where Joe and I see it each day when we enter or leave the house through the garage.

My friend’s artistic rendering reminded me of a few other thoughts about this wonderful Psalm.

Psalm 23:1-4, written by David (New American Standard Bible version)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil,

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, They comfort me…”

First, I’m reminded of the intimate relationship between David and God, and how I wish to have that same relationship. I want to think of the Lord as “my shepherd.” David was a shepherd so he knew both the needs of the sheep and the role of the shepherd. My continued prayer, studying the Bible and fellowship with Christians strengthens my relationship with God and it’s important that I make that a priority.

Second, the Psalm presumes continued care and concern by the shepherd. “I shall not want …” meaning into the future, not just “I do not want …” (now). Even into old age, or death, I can have faith that I will lack nothing.

This is a hard concept for me to grasp. Society teaches us that if we’re smart enough, or skilled enough, or rich enough, then we should have confidence in the future. But it’s just a façade. I don’t know the future so I sometimes fear what may happen. I could get sick or lose my job. I need to remember that my faith is in God who is much smarter and richer than I – and that I belong to this Good Shepherd.

Third, I can feel safe because God will walk me through the valley of the shadow of death. Charles Spurgeon explains that “death is not the house but the porch – not the goal but the passage to our eternity with God.” The shadow of death is not death itself so it’s not to be feared. And, where there is shadow, there must also be light beyond. I can find courage because God is with me, guiding and comforting me.

There is so much more to this Psalm so I encourage you to read it, pray on it and make it your own. What’s a favorite Bible passage of yours and why? And, can you find a cross-stitch pattern for it?!