David grew up as a shepherd. He took care of the sheep of his family. It was there that David learned that the LORD was his shepherd. As he led the sheep to green pasture and water and protected the sheep from the lions and bears, he could also see that the LORD was doing the same thing to him. Before he fought Goliath at 16, he told King Saul that the God who rescued him from the bears and lions while he was tending the sheep was the same God who would give him victory against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). In Psalm 23:1-6, David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 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. 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. 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."
Our God is our Shepherd. He always watches over us, even if we don't feel it. Romans 8:34 says that our Lord Jesus is sitting at the right hand of our Heavenly Father, praying for us. There is not a moment when we are alone. Our God is always providing, protecting, and leading us. Every time we wake up in the morning, every food we eat, the water we drink, the air that we breathe, they are all His provision for us. Our God gives us the strength we need as we go through the day. He always sustains us with His love, grace, and mercy. Let us not think that God is far off and He doesn't care about us. He takes care of us because He loves us as His children, which is more valuable than sheep.
Let us be encouraged today that we have a Shepherd that cares about us. When anxious about something, let us look up to our Shepherd. He is always a prayer away, and He is always looking after us.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). What does a shepherd do to his sheep? Do I believe that God is my Shepherd? If God is my Shepherd, how should I live my life?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for being my Shepherd. I am blessed to know that you are always taking care of me. In my struggles, pain, and sorrow, I have to believe that you are there for me. Would you please guide me today? Please help me to walk in your way. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.