Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” vs. 1
These familiar words strike a familiar and comforting chord in our ears. We love hearing that God has our backs and will take care of us even through the darkest days. But if these words are true, and if we truly believe that the Lord is our shepherd, why do so many of us behave so poorly? If the Lord is our shepherd do we actually think the Lord would lead us in paths of bigotry and encourage the use of language that demeans and diminishes? If the Lord is our shepherd why do we spend so little time in listening for the Lord’s guidance? Is it because we really don’t have much interest in being led on paths of righteousness and would rather travel on the way of sin and selfishness? Of course there is no adequate answer to such questions. People have pondered the causes of sinful behavior since the beginning of time. It just seems easier for us to go our own way…and then when we get in trouble to start looking for the shepherd. But imagine how different life would be if each morning we would call on the Lord for directions…and would then faithfully follow where the Lord leads the way. Obviously this isn’t an easy thing for strong-willed people to do…we hate to give up control…but certainly it’s worth a try. When the Lord is our shepherd goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives…and that’s a very good thing!
Thought for the Day: Where has my shepherd led me today?
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