The Good Shepherd

One of the most familiar and loved chapters in all of Scripture is Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV

King David, the author of this psalm, wasn’t lacking in power or prestige. And yet, before silencing Goliath, being anointed as Israel’s king, and leading troops to victory in the trenches of war, David was a lowly shepherd boy. Turns out, he knew a lot about sheep.

David understood that sheep need a shepherd to survive. Without guidance and protection, sheep are prone to wandering off, following each other off cliffs, being washed away by strong currents, or becoming a predator’s next meal. 1 Samuel tells us that David fought off lions and bears to protect the livestock that had been entrusted to him.

Comparing himself to a sheep, David explains that his needs are fully satisfied in God. He lacks nothing—he is filled with contentment and peace—because God provides for and protects him.

In John 10:11, Jesus makes a strong declaration, saying, “I am the good shepherd.” He describes how His sheep know His voice, and that He has one flock from many folds.

Jesus not only leads and guides His people, but He also loves and laid down His life for His people.

You can choose to brave this world alone, boasting of your independence and self-sufficiency. History proves that kind of strategy never ends well. But you also have another choice: you can humble yourself under the authority, protection, and sovereignty of the Good Shepherd who always has your best in mind.