Psalm 23 tells us that God is our shepherd. This has always been one of my favorite chapters of the bible but only now I’m understanding what David meant as he wrote this Psalm. As I read and study the book of 1 Samuel specifically chapter 17 I realize what it means to be a shepherd.
The role of a Shepherd is to lead, protect, provide and to care for the Sheep. We are His sheep. As someone who always felt like the black sheep of my family. Left out of things and going unnoticed as I dealt with depression and suicidal ideation. I struggled in allowing Jesus to lead me. Yet God chose to save me and use me in amazing ways for his Glory. He has restored my relationship with my family after years of not speaking to one another. He has called me to himself to be in deep relationship with him. Lead me back to Jesus every time I fell back into old patterns. He cleansed me of my sins and transformed my heart and desires to align with his. It hasn’t been easy to follow him if anything it’s been the hardest couple of years in my life. He allowed my heart to be broken so he could put it back together in a more beautiful way stronger than ever before. He gave me joy that came after humbling myself before the Lord. Laying down the things in my life that were sinful the things that kept me from growing closer to him. He taught me that a relationship with Him is consistent and should be intentional. Intentionally seeking Him through his word, in prayer, through worship and in the community he provides for you. But also, to trust in Him. That didn’t come easy to me I’ve always struggled to trust because every time I did, I got hurt. Who else was to blame but myself for trusting in the first place. He used a couple at my church to help in that area. Made it easy for me to talk , open up and be vulnerable with them and when I saw that they didn’t judge me for the things I struggled with or even my past life but instead welcomed me into the family. I began to trust again. They saw me the way Jesus did as a new creation. I say all this to say that the Lord will lead you, protect and provide for you through your journey with him he won’t leave or forsake you but instead pick you up when you fall and guide you back to himself. So say yes to Him and allow yourself to be amazed at the things he can and will do in your life for His Glory.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”
- Psalms 23:1 (NLT)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
- Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)