How Is God My Shepherd?

In Psalm 23, David is explaining one of the great attributes of the Father….that of a Shepherd.  The metaphor of God being a Shepherd is used throughout Scripture and Jesus himself uses the term when describing the lost sheep in Matthew (Matthew 18:12-14). God loves and protects his sheep.

In this beautiful song, David is singing/praying about the great love of the Father for his “sheep.” That’s us!

In all its simplicity, Psalm 23 appeals to everyone and it has been read and prayed in all kinds of circumstances in life, whether joyful or sorrowful.  It speaks to all, even those have never seen with their own eyes a flock in its pasture, or a shepherd tending sheep.

The image of a shepherd was familiar in the rural world of the Ancient Middle East, and the shepherd imagery in biblical narratives is used from the time of Abraham to that of Jesus. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob owned their own flocks and Joseph, Moses, David and prophet Amos were shepherds.

Yet, when it comes to shepherding, there is no one, scripture says, quite like God (Psalm 80, Ezekiel 34:11-16).  God is the only shepherd who provides secure guidance to “green pastures”; “still waters”; and “right paths.” Under such guidance, we find restoration of soul, comfort, and deliverance from fear.

The image of God as a Shepherd is so eloquent that we easily miss another one used by the psalmist: God is also a wonderful Host.  The scenery soon shifts from green pastures, streams of water, and darkest valleys with potential dangers to the comfort of a home and the profusion of God’s table. Whether with God the divine Shepherd or God the divine Host, we are in good hands at all times and, to be sure, we “shall not want.” —Barbara Hyland

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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