My Shepherd

by Beth Fore

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. He guides me in paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.
(Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)

My Shepherd

Jesus, You are My Shepherd
who provides and cares for me.
You are my strength and comfort,
even as I walk in the dark valley.

You lead me in green pastures,
and You quietly restore my soul.
You take all of my broken pieces,
repair them, and make me whole.

You leave the rest of the flock
and look for me when I stray.
Your rod and staff redirect me
and lead me in the right way.

Your presence is always with me,
and You take away my fear.
You are there to protect me
when my enemies are near.

Your goodness, kindness, and love
will follow me every day,
and I know that You, My Shepherd,
will guide me on the right pathway.

written by Beth Fore

*The analogy of Jesus and his people compared to a shepherd and his sheep is a comforting one for Christians.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”  (Isaiah 40:11 NIV)

The shepherd leads the sheep.  He leads them to green pastures where they can feed well and to streams where they can get plenty of water to drink.  He holds them and examines them to see that they have no sores or diseases.  He uses his rod to push them in the right direction, and he uses his staff to put it around their neck and pull them back to safety.

Jesus picks up the little children and loves them and protects them from danger.  He watches after the mother ewes to protect them after giving birth to their little ones.  Jesus is a loving, caring, benevolent shepherd who names his sheep and calls them by name.  He knows each one and shows each sheep special attention.

This poem is written by one of the sheep to the shepherd.  It is a prayer to Jesus from one of his children.  The child is grateful for the love, care, and provision the shepherd provides for him.  The child is mindful and thankful that Jesus accepts him just as he is, broken and fragile.  He repairs the children and makes them whole. 

Jesus goes looking for his lost children when they wander away.  He wants each one of them to return to the flock under his loving care.  Jesus is always near his children to protect them from harm and danger from their enemies. 

Jesus guides his children in the paths of righteousness.  He keeps them near and shows them how to follow the right paths and avoid the large rocks and cliffs where they might stumble and fall to their death.

Jesus is the perfect shepherd and He is our shepherd.  What a blessing and sense of security we have, as Christians, to KNOW that Jesus will never leave or forsake us and He will always be near us to guide and lead us on the right path.

APPLICATIONS

1. As your shepherd, how does Jesus protect you from danger?
2. What does the phrase, “I shall not be in want” mean to you?
3. Have you ever experienced a time when you wandered away from the flock and you felt that Jesus came looking for you?  If so, share the experience with some one.
4. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is always with you?
5. What happens to sheep who do not have a shepherd?

If you want to learn more about what it means to be a Christian or to become a Christian, click this link: https://woww.newlifebehavior.org/what-it-means-to-follow-jesus-how-to-become-a-christian/ If you have questions, please send us an email at nlbiministry@gmail.com.