The Lord is MY Shepherd

  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down

in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~     

As I read this beautiful Psalm once again, the word "security" comes to mind. Think with me about the relationship that we have with our awesome God. What a wonderful analogy. 

A GOOD shepherd takes care of everything for the sheep. There is nothing the sheep needs that is not provided in abundance. There is peace, rest, protection comfort and refreshment. 

Even when the path becomes rough and crooked, the shepherd does not drive the sheep. He knows the way and He leads them. They are not left to their own devices, but He is with them every step of the way. The sheep are never expected to go anywhere without the presence and the comfort of the shepherd. Never! 

The sheep are loved, valued, and tended always. They are precious to the shepherd. He talks to them and they know His voice. They follow him because they trust him. 

Now what about US? Is it necessary for us to worry and stress over the circumstances of life? Do we really and truly believe that nothing can touch us without our Savior's permission? Are we convinced that He always has our best interest at heart and that HE will lead us in the right way and direct our paths? 

God has promised that He will never leave us. He has given those of us who believe a tremendous future. We are heirs of God. He has said that He will not withhold anything from us that is good for us. He loves us unconditionally. He is true to His Word. He cannot lie. He holds us in the palm of His hand and He will never drop us! He never breaks a promise. Never, ever! We can trust Him. 

In Sunday School we used to sing a little song: 

"Every promise in the Book is mine.

 Every chapter, every verse, every line.

 All are blessings of His love divine.

 Every promise in the Book is mine."

The Lord really IS my Shepherd. How blessed I am.