The Lord is my Shepherd
Good morning brethren, I would like to write on the biblical verse: “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). God as a Shepherd is one of the most beautiful images presented in the Bible. As we know, a shepherd guides, protects, feeds, and cares for His sheep. In this verse, King David compares his relationship with God to that of a sheep under the care of a faithful Shepherd. David, who was himself a shepherd before becoming king, understood the responsibilities of shepherding. He uses this picture to describe God’s constant care, provision, and leadership in the lives of His people. In simple terms, when we say, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” we are acknowledging God’s authority, trusting His guidance, and depending on His care.
Psalm 23:2–3 says “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” It is a clear fact that the shepherd knows where the best pasture and water are located. Sheep have limited ability to find their way and can easily become lost. That is why, as believers, we need God’s direction in every area of our lives. Good leadership is essential for a shepherd. A biblical example is Abraham. In Genesis 12:1–4, God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place that He would show him. Abraham obeyed God’s leading by faith. Another example is the Israelites in the wilderness. In Exodus 13:21–22, we read how God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. A good shepherd also provides for his sheep. The latter part of Psalm 23:1 says: “I shall not want.” This does not mean there will be no challenges, but rather that God will faithfully supply all our needs. A biblical example of God as a Shepherd who provides is found in 1 Kings 17:2–6. During a famine, God provided food for the prophet Elijah through ravens. We also read in Exodus 16:4–15 how God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. These examples prove that God knows our needs even before we ask and that His resources never run out. A good shepherd protects His sheep. Psalm 23:4 says “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The shepherd uses his rod to defend his sheep from predators and his staff to guide and rescue them from danger. A good example is the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45–50, where God protected David and gave him victory over the giant. Another example is Daniel in the lions’ den. In Daniel 6:22, we read how God shut the mouths of the lions and preserved Daniel. Therefore, as believers, we should trust God as our Shepherd. He watches over us continually, and His presence removes fear. In Luke 15:4–7, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost. A good shepherd seeks the lost sheep. Likewise, the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–24 reveals how the son wandered away, yet his father welcomed him back with love and restoration when he returned. This reminds us that God’s love pursues us even when we stray.
No one is beyond God’s reach, and His restoration is always available through genuine repentance. In John 10:11, Jesus declared “I AM the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” Here, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd. He possesses all the qualities of a perfect shepherd. He knows His sheep personally and calls them by name (John 10:3). He protects them (John 10:28), and He sacrificed Himself for them (John 10:11). Through this, we see that salvation comes through Christ alone. In conclusion, every believer who follows the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, enjoys divine guidance, peace even in difficult seasons, God’s provision, protection from danger, restoration, and eternal security through Him. I pray that the Lord, who is truly our Good Shepherd, will lead you in the right path and help you recognise His voice above every other voice, in Jesus name. Amen. Our Summer Fun Service begins at 10:15 am and the Worker’s meeting will be at 9:45 am. God’s blessings - Mike