Who is your Shepherd?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalms 23:1
When I think about Psalms 23, I can see David as a boy watching his father’s sheep, thinking about all he does to watch over and take care of the needs of the sheep each day. When he remembered times that he made sure they had enough to eat, when he led them to water to drink and even the times he protected them from an enemy attack, he realized just how much they depend on him. As he thought about all he did for this helpless animal, I imagine that he considered, “Who is watching over me? Who is my Shepherd?” That is when the realization came to David: “The Lord is my Shepherd!” David spent much of his time while watching over the sheep, walking and talking with God. He considered His ways and how the Lord had given David everything he needed to tend this heard. This revelation inspired David so much that he wrote out all the ways that God had been and would Shepherd his life.
He said: “I have everything I need, rest, water, restoration of my soul, direction for life. Even if I get into trouble, He is still with me and rescues me, so I do not fear any evil because I know He is watching over me. My Shepherd even prepares a table for me right in the presence of my enemies and he anoints my head with oil to be empowered for all that I am called to in this life. Because His goodness and mercy pursues me all the days of my life, I know that I will live in His house for all eternity.
In today’s world, people are lacking a shepherd. As a society, we are looking to a political leader to come and meet our needs. Government has grown so big that many in the next generation actually believe that if they can get their candidate into office, all the problems in the world would go away. This is not just on one side of a political party. Many people, even Christian people are so filled up with the current headlines and media blasts that they honestly think all that is needed to turn things around is that strong candidate in a certain political office.
It is a sad state for sure and please understand my heart, I am in no way saying we should not vote or care about who is leading our country. Certainly, it is important to pray about and elect the right government officials. It is a God given right and responsibility to vote and to be lead by God, not the information that floods the internet. However, my point is that no matter who gets elected into office, they are not your Shepherd and they are not the savior of the world, the country or an individual.
The truth is, no political leader can fulfill the role of the Shepherd in our lives. While leaders can make decisions that impact our nation and our daily lives, they cannot provide the deep, personal care, guidance, and protection that only the Lord can give. The Lord is our Shepherd, and He alone is able to meet our every need.
This passage clearly shows us that our true source of provision, peace, and security comes from God, alone. The government, our leaders, and the systems of this world are limited and flawed, but God is perfect in caring for us. He leads us beside still waters, restores our souls, and guides us on the right paths. Even in the darkest valleys, where fear and uncertainty loom, He is with us, comforting and protecting us.
This applies to every person. Yes, we should subject and submit ourselves to authority. Weather our pastor, those enforcing local and national laws, even those in our family. Our heavenly Father makes it clear that authority is important and we are to be under authority that is not in conflict with His law.
In a world where many are looking for answers in all the wrong places, we are called to redirect our focus to the One who truly holds our lives in His hands. Our ultimate trust should be in the Lord, our Shepherd, who knows us intimately and cares for us completely. He is the one who anoints us, who prepares a table for us even in the presence of our enemies, and who ensures that goodness and mercy belong to us all the days of our lives.
Today I want to encourage you as a believer to remember your responsibility to this truth and to share it with those around you. It is also important to teach the next generation to be engaged citizens and to participate in the electoral process, but their hope should never rest in human leaders. Instead, we all need to be looking to the Lord as our good Shepherd, trusting in His guidance and care in every aspect of life. His peace and security cannot be found in the promises of politicians or the platforms of parties. They are found in the presence of our Shepherd, who is always with us, who never fails, and who will lead us through this life into the next one forever. Become a leader who holds onto this truth and passes it on to make sure that the inheritance of your faith and trust in God as your Shepherd carries on for generations to come.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Yea, 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 runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Daily Dose 