Confidence and faith in our God, our shepherd, can only lead us to a place of peace and comfort.
In these days of uncertainty and division, it is easy to feel like lost sheep, not only that but it can feel like the wolves are constantly circling and drawing closer. It is in moments like these that we so desperately need the Bible to speak into our lives. Psalm 23 is such a relevant passage for every day of our lives but even more so when we feel lost and overwhelmed.
David knew what it felt like to be surrounded by enemies and to face uncertain times. He also knew what it felt like to have the Lord be his shepherd; to lean fully on God for guidance, peace, strength and protection. David was able to experience all of these aspects of God’s provision because he was obedient to God.
God doesn’t call us to have all the answers or to even know what is best for this world he created. He does call us to live obediently to his Word and his calling on our lives. If we walk in obedience next to our shepherd, he will, as Psalm 23 promises, lead us beside peaceful streams, renew our strength, guide us to the right paths, and bring honor to His name. What more could we ever want or need?
David was not only obedient but he was confident in God’s promises and in the assurance of God’s presence in his times of need as well as in times of peace. David did not put his faith in his own abilities, strength or courage. He did not depend on others to save him. He only looked to God. As he said in Psalm 62:5-8:
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”
Such confidence and faith in our God, our shepherd, can only lead us to a place of peace and comfort. After all, a shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock; and we, as believers in Christ, are his flock. He will let nothing harm us, he will not let us wander too far away from him, he will keep us in his will. And unlike an earthly shepherd looking over his sheep, our heavenly father will never grow tired or weary of watching over us. Things will never be so crazy or so far gone in this world that he will give up or abandon his post as our shepherd. As verse 6 of Psalm 23 states:
“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.”
