THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The Good Shepherd: Part 1

Psalm 23

Supernatural promises are right in front of us. Provision, protection, peace, confidence, correction, restoration, just to name a few. All of which are a reminder of exactly who God is.

Psalm 23 is a chapter written of David’s time reflecting on God’s goodness. David was battle tested, but just like everyone, he went through the ups and downs of life. Even in his ups and downs, David still sees God in all of it. When we fully surrender it all to God, we can look back through our lives and see all our Good Father has done. In our surrender we encounter God and know our Father. His love for us is so pure. We cannot earn it, and it never runs out. He cares deeply about His sheep, about His church, each and everyone of us.

A heart of a shepherd, is a father’s heart.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV)

Most people view this verse by a monetary view, and miss the spiritual side to this verse, God truly provides it all. As scripture tells us He is El Shaddai, meaning the sufficient one.

The Lord is my shepherd = Favor. I shall not want = Power. God truly desires to be your Jehovah Jireh, your provider. Most people miss that God will only be who they see him to be. Ask yourself now, who is God to me? Is the God you are seeing; the God scripture tells us about?

Psalms 23:2, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters.” (ESV)

= Peace. I do not know about you, but this verse makes me take a deep breath every time I read it. The realization of having a Good Shepherd who wants me to not worry. That is truly humbling. We need to rest confidently in his love and rest in His restoration. Do not miss this promise of peace from our Father.

Psalms 23:3, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness* for his name’s sake.” (ESV)

= He restores and He leads. One of my most favorite and hopeful revelations is this, we have a God who restores. Not just giving you back what was lost or stolen. But a God who gives you back better than what was lost or stolen. In other words, it comes back with acceleration and interest added. He also corrects us, to lead us in paths of righteousness. As scripter reads, His rod and staff they comfort me. He is establishing us for what is around the corner. Like a good shepherd He teaches His sheep to listen, so they do not get into trouble.

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (ESV)

How much have you limited God by not knowing who He really is? Our dependency should not be on ourselves, but on our one true source, The God of more than enough. As Psalms 37:25 tells us, He is the same God that was with all the people of the bible. He is the same and will not forsake you, it is just not his character for He is The Good Shepherd.