Psalm 23:1-2 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

For King David to acknowledge God as his shepherd was no small thing. David knew what a shepherd was and knew how important a shepherd is in the life of sheep. You see, sheep, as we would say today, are not the brightest bulb in the chandelier that is the animal kingdom. With no natural aggression, claws or fangs to defend themselves, they are greatly in need of protection from predators. They are dependent totally on the shepherd for their care, their safety and for direction. Acknowledging God as our shepherd is so much more than just recognizing him as our protector, caregiver and guide…it is recognizing that we are sheep. A sheep may think he doesn’t need a shepherd right up until the time a wolf or bear carries him off as dinner. A sheep may think he doesn’t need a shepherd right up until he wanders too close to the edge and falls, finding himself balanced precariously on the ledge of a steep drop. With the Lord as his shepherd, David knew there was NOTHING he could possibly need that God could not and would not provide. Is God your shepherd today? He’s ready to make sure that, you too, want for nothing.

Pray: “Lord God, like sheep are totally dependent on their shepherds for all that they need, help me today to realize my total need for you in my life. A good shepherd sees that his sheep lack nothing. You, my God, would see that I too wanted for nothing if I would only realize how ‘sheepish’ I truly am. Lord, help me to see my great need for you, and to acknowledge you as the one is my all in all. Thank you, Father, in Jesus’ name - Amen.”