[348 words]
Everyone knows the first five words of the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd…” These words not only introduce the psalm and the God of the Psalm, but are actually powerful words that reveal our relationship with Him. Notice, for example:
The – This reveals that Jehovah God is the only God. He is not merely a god – He is THE God. He is not one of many – He is the One and only! We should, like Paul, always profess, “yet for us there is one God” (1 Corinthians 8:6).
Lord – This shows that God is the Lord – our master. A Lord is one who has rule over your life. If He is our Lord then He is first in everything. As Peter suggests, let us “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15).
Is – This present tense word shows that God lives. He was, and is, and always will be. God is just as alive today as when David wrote this Psalm. Let us indeed be convinced of what God thundered forth in Malachi 4:6, “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
My – God is not an abstract power – He is not an aloof entity. He wants to be our personal God. He wants a relationship with us. It is imperative that we become as close to Him as possible. Let us, like Thomas, proudly proclaim, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
Shepherd – A good shepherd is one who lovingly cares for, feeds, guides, and protects the sheepfold. This is what God does for us if we stay faithful to Him. We can be at peace if we fully trust in Him and obey His will. And we should, like the Psalmist, express joy all day long for Him: “So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations” (Psalm 79:13).
Is the Lord God truly your Shepherd? If so, you have nothing to fear (read the rest of Psalm 23 for this assurance).
Edd Sterchi
Campbellsville, KY
BulletinDigest.com