Obeying Our Worthy God

09/05/22 – 09/19/22

Our Shepherd

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  09/17/22

Who is in control of your life? Who directs your plans, dreams, and goals? We all are influenced by something—our egos, our greed, our pride, our circumstances, our relationships. But only the Lord, the one who created us and every living thing, has the right to claim ownership on our lives.

In Psalm 23 David declares, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1). David acknowledges God as his shepherd—the one who governs and manages his life, the one who is the owner of his life—and God is the best manager we could ever have. A sheep’s life isn’t easy—but no matter our circumstances, our Shepherd provides His guidance and comfort.

We are never in need because our Good Shepherd cares for us. He provides us rest when we cannot carry on in our own strength. He quenches our thirst. He restores us and forgives us when we are broken and weak. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:2-3).

Even in our darkest days, our Shepherd will remain with us: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). With the Shepherd leading us, we have nothing to fear—not the disappointments of life, the dark days, not even death itself. Whatever valley we go through, God is leading us to higher ground.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for Your care and guidance to higher ground. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—” (John 10:14).