Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
It makes perfect sense to draw analogies from the things that you do and the things that are familiar to you. For example, if you’re a teacher it would be easy for you to draw an analogy about how the Lord is your “Teacher” and how he guides you through the journey of life.
David, from the experiences he had taking care of sheep, found it easy to draw the analogy of how the Lord was his Shepherd. I can imagine him sitting on a Judean hillside penning his thoughts to paper as he thought about all the ways the Lord had shepherded him.
David knew, as a shepherd himself, how to take care of the sheep under his supervision. At some point it must have hit him, “Wow, the Lord takes care of me just like I take care of my sheep.” And what a beautiful picture the Lord gave David of how He does take care of us, protect us, provide for us, and guide us.
Sheep aren’t known for being the smartest animals. It’s easy for them to wander away from the safety of the flock and the care of the shepherd. But Jesus likens Himself to the “Great Shepherd” who would leave the ninety-nine sheep just to go find the one who had gone astray. I’m so thankful for those times He’s gently and lovingly pursued me when I’ve lost my way.
Today, no matter if you find yourself in the safety of the flock or out wandering by yourself somewhere, know that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you with an unending love. In His great love, He wants to be our total supply and source of life and protection. Just like those sheep, all we have to do is allow Him to be the Shepherd and then live and thrive in His great care.