Doves On Distant Oaks

The Good Shepherd

The 23rd Psalm is perhaps one of the most well known Psalms, certainly the most quoted from the Old Testament. The author, King David, presents a vivid picture of how God takes care of those who love Him.

Often we hear the same analogy repeated throughout the New Testament by Jesus in his teachings. In them, Jesus becomes the good shepherd watching over His flock, searching out those who have left the fold, and responding to their needs. Certainly, followers of Christ need guidance and protection, much like a shepherd provides, but we follow Him out of our need, not His.

A better, or at least a more modern, understanding of the Psalm can be summed up in four simple words: you are not alone. Perhaps the following poem captures the essence of that.

NOT ALONE

I'm cold, I'm alone, I'm trembling;
but the Shepherd is coming
to gently lead me
into the warmth.

I'm scared, I'm anxious, I'm hounded;
but the Shepherd is coming
to quiet my fears
and bring me peace.

I'm tired, I'm weary, I'm deceived;
but the Shepherd is coming
to provide deep shade
so I can rest.

I'm weak, I'm damaged, I'm broken;
but the Shepherd is coming
to remove my yoke
and set me free.

I'm lost, I'm lacking, I'm drifting;
but the Shepherd is coming
to rescue my soul
and bring me home.

We all need help sometimes. Perhaps we need help most of the time. Family helps, friends help, community helps, but all of those can let us down from time to time. The one we can count on time and again, in good times and bad, endlessly, is Christ.

But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

– John 10:26-28

Keywords: Psalms, Shepherd

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