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Shepherds, Sheep & Me

by | Jul 2, 2013 | Devoted Living | 8 comments

The words came back in a rush, filling my thoughts. I knew them well. How many times had I quoted them? In church services. At funerals. At Bible Studies.

Familiarity can rob at times. It robs the depth of meaning as we repeat the familiar so casually. Our minds can even wander during those moments of familiarity. But the newness, the fresh meaning flooded me as I read in the words in a different version than the well known King James from my childhood…..

1 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.
(Psalm 23, NLT)
This is the Psalm that is the “go – to” when anyone needs comfort or to be assured of God’s Presence with them. In the midst of difficulties, we turn to it, to the familiar words that bring strength & renews our trust in our God. This psalm is written by David, once a lowly shepherd boy so he knew the responsibilities of a shepherd well. He also knew the characteristics of his sheep. And so, here are a few things I was reminded of this morning:
  • Sheep will only rest AFTER they have eaten. Sort of like people, who after a satisfying meal, desire to take a nap.
  • Sheep will only drink from still waters & so the Lord finds peaceful streams to provide refreshment for us.
  • Sheep are fearful animals. They are easily panicked & scare easily (much like me!!!).

Keeping these three characteristics of sheep in mind, I realized the depth to which our God will go for us. He prepares safe places for us. He puts those places in readiness for us. He creates the environment that will best suit us. The Lord know the pasture where we will be fed spiritually & nourished so that growth will occur in our lives. He carves that setting out for us much like shepherds had to for their sheep. In order to create still waters, they often had to pick up large stones & dam up waters, causing rushing waters to slow & create a still area. It was only then that the sheep would drink. It was in green pastures & still waters that all fear was gone.

It is as we allow Him to Shepherd us that we find we are led along those paths that are best for us & bring glory to His Name. It is as we walk in His ways that we find that His goodness & His unfailing love will pursue us. They will follow us with the intent of overtaking us & when they overcome us, we find ourselves filled with a renewed sense of appreciation & gratitude for His Presence in our lives.

I heard a story years ago, told by Chuck Swindoll on his radio program. A small child, misquoting this psalm, was heard to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd, that’s all I want.”

Perhaps it is not a misquote after all. For as we are under the constant care of the One who is all-sufficient; has an inexhaustible supply of all we need; & is unchanging, we truly find that we shall not be in want but are fully cared for.

If He be a shepherd to no one else, He is a Shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me.

(Charles Spurgeon)

All I can add is, “AMEN!!!”.

 

Today I am linked with True Story Blog Party and Soli Deo Gloria and Titus 2sday and  Unite and Titus 2 Tuesday and Teach Me Tuesday and Wed. Prayer Girls and Cozy Reading Spot .

 


In My Thoughts,
Joanne

8 Comments

  1. Mrs. White
    Mrs. White on July 2, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Very inspiring! I also love the child’s misquote. So precious!

    Blessings
    Mrs. White
    The Legacy of Home

  2. Lori Harris
    Lori Harris on July 2, 2013 at 9:02 am

    I remember Chuck Swindoll sharing that misquote and I agree- maybe it wasn’t a misquote. And you have a gift for teaching through your writing- it’s not my gift at all and I am quite envious sometimes of others who can. Beautiful, friend.

    • joanneviola
      joanneviola on July 2, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      Lori –
      Thank you for your kind words & encouragement. They mean a lot.
      ~~Joanne

  3. Jennifer 'Miner' Ferguson
    Jennifer 'Miner' Ferguson on July 2, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    I love this Psalm. Only recently did I realize it was for so much more than funerals, but a living, breathing calling to me to come to God and trust.

    • joanneviola
      joanneviola on July 4, 2013 at 7:39 am

      I am ever grateful that His Word is always fresh. Thank you for the visit! And for hosting the link up each week.
      Happy 4th!
      Joanne

  4. Hazel Irene Moon
    Hazel Irene Moon on July 3, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I usually read the New King James Version, but I do enjoy the new versions too!! This is especially nice to view the 23rd Psalm in the NLT. Thank you for sharing at Tell me a Story.

    • joanneviola
      joanneviola on July 4, 2013 at 7:41 am

      I hope that you are doing well with your eyes. Thank you for taking the time to read the posts, leave a comment & host the link-up. You bless many!
      Happy 4th!
      Joanne

      • Hazel Irene Moon
        Hazel Irene Moon on July 5, 2013 at 12:59 am

        I am being careful not to strain, but I love to read the posts and comment too!