Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 23:1-6
Ps 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
John 10:14-17
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
There is nothing that illustrates the principle of submission and subservience more than does a flock of sheep who trusts their shepherd. Not because they are afraid of him or because he threatens them but because he loves each one of them and only wants what is best for them. So they put their lives in his hands.
He feeds them and makes sure they have good water; he protects them from wild animals and from the rough terrain and sees to their every need and supplies it for them. When one wanders away and becomes lost, the shepherd finds it and brings it back to the flock. If one becomes injured, he cares for it and nourishes it back to health. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
Jesus is our shepherd and supplies our every need. We are told to not worry about anything but with prayer and petition to let our requests be made known with thanksgiving. The Lord knows our name and wants only what is best for us, in every situation in life. He has laid down his life so we can live so there is no doubt about his love for us and all who will submit to him. As sheep may not understand why the shepherd does as he does, we are to trust the Lord whether it makes sense to us or not. He knows best and will protect us and lead us in his paths.
Heavenly Father it is just so great to be your child and to know that you love me, even when I have been unlovable. As I look at my life and see all the times I have failed to be all you want me to be, I know I don’t deserve to be in your family but it makes me appreciate your grace towards me. Instill in me a pure heart that seeks to be like you in all things, making your will my own. Give me clean lips and wisdom to know what to say and both when and how to say it. Bless your people, wherever they are, to shine your light in this world. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
