The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

Psalm 23

David grew up as a shepherd who understood the significant role the shepherd has in the lives of his sheep. He knew that he must care for them and keep constant watch over them. The sheep could wander away and get lost; a predator could kill the sheep; the sheep needed food and fresh water.

It was a full time job caring for sheep! But God knew that David needed to understand the role of a shepherd because He had chosen David to be King of Israel someday; He needed to train him to lead gently but aggressively, teaching the sheep to follow the master.

Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd, searches for His lost sheep, those who don’t know Him. He binds up the wounded. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” (Isaiah 61:1-2) Jesus Christ came as the fulfillment of that prophecy. He was the One who was sent to care for us as our Great Shepherd. (Luke 4:18) He was the promised Shepherd who would lead His sheep to safety, restore souls, and take them to safe pasture.

We are like sheep needing a shepherd to guide us to green pastures, protect us, and save us from predators. Peter writes that we are to cast all of our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. (I Peter 5:7) As we begin to know and trust the Lord to care for us, our lives will be filled with peace and confidence because Our Shepherd cares deeply for us.

Has the Lord been trying to lead you to green pastures, but you refuse to go? Has He tried to restore your broken soul, but you are afraid to let Him visit there? If you find yourself in turbulent waters, seek the Good Shepherd and ask Him to lead you beside quiet waters.

Heavenly Father, I have been afraid to let You lead me into the unknown. It has been easier to stay in turbulent waters that are familiar than to allow You to lead me out. Your Word promises me that You will be with me, and goodness and love will follow me wherever I go if I am willing to let go. Help me to believe; help me to surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen