The Good Shepherd
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3
In Monday’s devotion, we rejoiced that our Good Shepherd knows us. Jesus knows exactly what His sheep need and will provide it. In Psalm 23:2, David paints a beautiful picture of peace and provision. Rather than allow the sheep to wander aimlessly in a wasteland, He leads them to green pastures where their hunger is satisfied and to still waters where they can safely drink.
Do you sometimes feel like you are wandering aimlessly in a wasteland, overwhelmed with the pressures of life? Do worry, fear, and other temptations surround you on every side? Our Good Shepherd invites you to stop striving and to rest in His care. Spend some time in His Holy Word (green pastures and still waters). Let this Word comfort and quiet your heart while the noise, frustrations, and spiritual danger remain outside this green pasture (think of the “roaring lion” in a previous devotion). In this pasture filled with the promises and comfort of God’s Word, you will find peace.
Today, trust your Good Shepherd. Let Him lead you to rest. Lay your burdens down and drink deeply from the peace found in His Word.
The Lord my Shepherd is, I shall be well supplied.
Since He is mine and I am His, what can I want beside?
He leads me to the place where heav'nly pasture grows,
Where living waters gently pass, and full salvation flows.
If e’er I go astray, He doth my soul reclaim,
and guides me in His own right way, for His most holy name.
While He affords His aid, I cannot yield to fear;
though I should walk through death’s dark shade, my Shepherd’s with me there.
Amid surrounding foes thou dost my table spread;
my cup with blessing overflows, and joy exalts my head.
The bounties of Thy love shall crown my following days,
nor from Thy house will I remove nor cease to speak Thy praise.
The Lutheran Hymnal 426