The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside
quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

This psalm is probably the most memorized, the most quoted and most beloved of all the psalms. The picture is one of sheep, who on their on are helpless and are thus totally dependent on a shepherd. The shepherd depicted here is one who is loving and caring. He is concerned only for the well-being of his sheep; for their provisions and safety from harm. He gives strength, guidance and security. When he is present, the sheep have nothing to fear.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. What a blessed thought indeed! We have often focused on the problems of this life, the troubles and temptations we face. While these are real and each of us has them in abundance, we need to focus more on the goodness of our God. Instead of thinking so much about our problems, let’s think about the solutions. When we focus on God, on Jesus Christ and on the Holy Spirit, we will be more aware of the love bestowed on each of us.

After a hard day at work, I often come home mentally exhausted. One of the most important things for me when I arrive home is to take my wife and hold her in my arms and feel her arms around me. It gives me a security, a peace and a revitalization that is difficult to explain but very real. When we are tired, down, despondent, worried, hurting, fearful or angry and bitter, there is nothing that can revitalize us better and fill our inner needs more than looking to Jesus our brother, to God our father and to the Spirit our helper and by faith feel their arms around us. We hear their voice speaking to us and saying those words we need so much: “I love you and I am here for you” Whatever our need is today, our Shepherd is here to provide.

O God, thank you so much for being my shepherd. In you I know that I have security and provision. Increase my faith so that I can see you and feel your arms around me. Open my ears so that I can hear your voice speak sweet peace to my heart. Help me to know your love in my life so much that I am filled with your joy and share your love with everyone I meet. Truly, my cup overflows! I thank you and praise your Holy Name. In Jesus name I pray.

May God bless each of us as we know him better.