Being a shepherd himself, King David understood what was involved in caring for sheep. He was responsible to feed them, guide them, protect them and care for them. David knew exactly the kind of food the sheep needed and where to find it. He would guide them on the proper path, journeying to fresh food, water, and safety. His presence brought comfort, and he protected them from danger.
In the same way, David learned that the LORD fed him, guided him, protected him, and cared for him. David penned his understanding and experience of the LORD as Shepherd in the well-known Psalm, 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. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
“The LORD is my shepherd . . .” David knew that the LORD was his shepherd. He never doubted it for a moment. Look at David’s next statement, “. . . I shall not want.” Wow, what a proclamation. Why was David’s conviction so strong? While David was tending his father’s sheep, God helped David protect them from a lion and a bear. God helped David defeat Goliath in a VERY unconventional way, with a slingshot and a stone. God protected David from King Saul for years and years when Saul tried many times to kill him due to jealousy. Even though it took approximately twenty years, God kept His promise to make David king of Israel. God blessed David abundantly while he was king. David was victorious over all his enemies. David established the practice of worshiping God through music and singing. David gathered enough money and resources resulting in the construction of a permanent temple for God by his son Solomon.
How well do you know Jesus as your Shepherd? Are you able to say with deep conviction, “I shall not want?” “I don’t need a thing?” “I lack nothing?” Child of God, Jesus is our Shepherd. We are always on His mind. He is attentive to every detail of our life. You and I are worthy of His time, and He deeply loves us. He will always feed, guide, and protect us!
Jesus is MY Shepherd; I don’t need a thing,
Pastor Tom