#11 THE SHEPHERD WHO NEVER LETS GO 8-21-26
Psalm 23 is more than a beautiful description of a peaceful life. It is the testimony of a sheep who has discovered that everything he needs is found in the Shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). David does not begin with what the sheep can do for himself. He begins with what the Shepherd does for him.
There is deliverance in the Shepherd. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4). Notice that David does not say the Shepherd keeps him from every valley. He says the Shepherd walks with him through the valley. Sometimes God delivers us by keeping us out of trouble. Sometimes He delivers us by walking with us through it. The valley may be dark, but it is not deserted. The shadow may be frightening, but a shadow cannot destroy you. The Shepherd is still there.
There is dependence in the Shepherd. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Sheep are not known for finding their own way. They need a shepherd to lead them to food, water, safety, and rest. We are not as independent as we like to think we are. We need God every day. We need His wisdom when we do not know what to do, His strength when ours is gone, His correction when we begin to wander, and His presence when we are afraid.
That is why David says, “He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). The Shepherd does not merely rescue us from danger. He redirects us when we are going the wrong way. His rod may correct us and His staff may pull us back, but both are expressions of His care. The hand that corrects us is the same hand that protects us.
And then there is destination. The Shepherd is not simply taking us through today. He is taking us somewhere. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). David’s confidence is not merely that God will help him survive another day. His confidence is that God is leading him toward home. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
That is where the whole journey ends. Not in the valley. Not beside the enemies. Not in the wilderness. Not in the places where we have struggled. Home. The Shepherd who led us through the valley will finally lead us into His presence.
So when you are afraid, remember His deliverance. When you are weak, remember your dependence. When you cannot see what lies ahead, remember your destination.
The sheep does not have to understand every turn in the road. He only has to stay close to the Shepherd.
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Lord, thank You for being our Shepherd. Deliver us when we are in danger, teach us to depend upon You when we are weak, and keep our eyes fixed upon the home You are preparing for us. When the path is dark, help us trust the One who knows the way. Amen.
BDD
