The Shepherd’s Presence
“The Lord is my shepherd” Psalm 23:1
Before he was a king, David was a shepherd. He spent his days watching over sheep, guiding them to safety, and protecting them from predators. He knew their vulnerabilities and how much they relied on him for survival. When David penned Psalm 23, he wasn’t writing from theory—he was writing from the heart of a shepherd who intimately understood the bond between shepherd and sheep.
Think about that opening line: “The Lord is my shepherd.” David wasn’t just stating a fact; he was declaring his trust and pride in Yahweh as his Shepherd. To him, God wasn’t distant or detached. God was personal, present, and protective. That’s the perspective Psalm 23 invites us into: the experience of being fully known, fully cared for, and fully led by the Good Shepherd.
Sheep Need a Shepherd
Sheep aren’t exactly survival experts. They lack speed, claws, and sharp teeth. They’re prone to wandering into danger, falling down, and sometimes getting stuck—unable to get up on their own. Sound familiar? We’re not so different. Isaiah 53:6 reminds us: “We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way.” Like sheep, we wander, get stuck, and desperately need guidance.
But sheep also know their shepherd’s voice. They follow the one they trust—the one who has proven faithful. Jesus echoes this truth in John 10: “I know my own, and my own know me.” As our Good Shepherd, Jesus calls us to follow him, leading us to green pastures, still waters, and abundant life.
Living Under the Shepherd’s Care
When we let the Lord shepherd us, we experience:
Identity: We’re no longer defined by our failures or striving. We are his sheep, known and loved.
Rest: We can let go of worry and control, trusting him to provide for our needs.
Safety: Even in the darkest valleys, we’re secure in his presence and protection.
So, how do we live as sheep under his care? It starts with listening to his voice through Scripture and prayer. It means surrendering control and trusting him to lead. And it requires staying close to the flock—leaning into his community for encouragement and accountability. Jesus created the church for us because he knows how much better, more well-protected, and more well-loved we are together with his sheep.
Will You Let Him Lead?
Dallas Willard once said, “The Lord is my Shepherd is written on more tombstones than lives.”
Are you letting him shepherd your life today?
Will you follow his voice, release your grip on control, and stay connected to his flock?
Take a moment to reflect on that and on which area he is calling you to follow his lead. What’s one area where you need to let go and trust the Good Shepherd? Write it down, pray about it, and take a step toward surrendering it to him this week.
Prayer
Father- thank you for being our Shepherd. Teach us to listen to your voice, trust your care, and follow where you lead. Help us find peace in your provision and safety in your presence, but also prioritize finding it together with your other sheep. In Jesus' name, amen.
As you go, make disciples who follow Jesus!
If you found value in this, here are some additional articles for you.
