The Lord’s My Shepherd

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.

The shepherd is a familiar picture throughout the Bible. It recurs throughout the Old Testament – David knew his God as ‘my shepherd’; Jesus continues the image saying ‘I am the Good Shepherd’. The caring shepherd knows his sheep, protecting and providing for them.

Musing… I don’t mind being a sheep – they’re fluffy and peaceful. Being looked after by a shepherd who provides everything I need is reassuring and comfortable.

And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.

Stuart Townend’s version of this Psalm adds ‘And I will trust in you alone’. It’s the declaration of intent of the sheep to follow the shepherd.

Some days I’m not sure that I do want to follow the shepherd alone. I think I know what’s best for me and my life. I still want the  green pastures and still waters but I think I know the best route.

Musing… Today I choose to follow My Shepherd, trusting Him alone.

He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.

The path that the Good Shepherd leads me is sometimes green and pleasant, sometimes dark and scary. It’s an unpredictable path and is often one that I wouldn’t choose.

Musing… whilst I keep following, the Shepherd’s ‘Goodness and Mercy’ will follow me throughout this life… someone once suggested that they were his sheepdogs, keeping me on course…

…‘Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever’… ‘leading me home’… goes beyond this life.

And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.