Psalm 23 and the good Shepherd

Psalm 23 is a familiar Psalm to most of us.

Christians turn to it because it is a great source of encouragement as it reminds us that the Lord will always care for us.

David use two metaphors or imagery's to show us this.

The first one is a good shepherd and the second, a good host.

For this devotion, I will only look at the good Shepherd.

The Lord is a good Shepherd because he is provides satisfaction, rest, restoration, comfort and guidance.

On guidance, he leads us through paths of Righteousness. Meaning he leads us to do what is right. And sometimes he allows us to go through tough experiences to get us there.

Being under lockdown with 2 kids can be extremely stressful and hard.

They need constant attention.

They need to be stimulated otherwise the TV, the couch and all the electronics will be no more.

Being under lockdown with 2 kids is a tough experience.

But what it brought out is the sin of impatience and unkindness which was lying dormant in my heart.

However, through this tough experience, God has shone a light on my sin, the wrong path I was heading in, and is slowly leading me onto the right path where I need to show my girls more compassion and patience.

Sometimes God allows us to go through tough experiences to lead us to paths of righteousness.

But why does he do this?

So that he may have a good reputation.

He does not lead us to righteousness so that you may look good.

No! It’s so that he may look good.

So that he may be seen as a caring shepherd.

The Lord cares for you. He has your back and always will.

So much so that he sent Jesus the good shepherd (John 10: 11 to die for us so that we may be on the path of righteousness which declares the guilty innocent.

The Lord is indeed our good Shepherd.

Amen.

Steven Gounder

Campus Director, Westville