The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want. 

When I was a little girl, I used to think that meant that because the Lord is My Shepherd, that I was wrong to want anything–that I should have no need to want anything.  But like most little girls I wanted everything I saw on TV and everything in the store front windows.  I later learned that this verse meant as His sheep, I would not go without things that I needed, that I would not be in want.

As an adult, years ago I bought a checkbook cover that had a slot for a small photo. A friend had given me a small card that said these words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” I decided to slip this card into the picture slot on my checkbook and I have carried it that way for years. Every time I use my checkbook, I am reminded that my provision comes from God and not from man. He has always provided what I needed. I will not be in want … if only I’ll be His sheep.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.  He restoreth my soul. 

As His child, God knows what is best for me.  He knows spiritually, emotionally and physically when I’ve had enough. He knows when I need to rest in His deepest provisions—to have them where I can receive them just by opening my eyes, mouth and heart. He has carried me more times than I can count when I could not go on. He knows what’s best for me, and He will provide it … if only I’ll be His sheep.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

If I will follow Him, He will keep me on a path that is right, and I’ll avoid a lot of heartache, pain and trouble.  His way may not seem the easiest but in the end it is the one that offers the most protection, the straight and narrow way.  Jesus is the way. He will show me the way … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

All of us will one day have to face death unless the Lord returns for us first.  I don’t have to be afraid because I know where I am going.  Even in the dark uncertainty of death, I will be able to feel the rod of His Shepherd’s crook against my side to guide me and the staff of the crook nudging me forward to the unimaginable eternity that He has planned for me … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. 

Even if I’m betrayed by those closest to me and they want to harm me, He offers me safety even in their presence.  I know what betrayal by a close friend feels like. He took care of me through the worst heartache imaginable. He has and He will continue to feed me and protect me even as much as preparing a full table for me in front of my enemies, but where they can’t approach the table or me … if only I’ll be His sheep.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

He promises that as long as I live on this earth that all things are working together for the good of those who love the Lord. His favor is mine … if only I’ll be His sheep.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Everlasting life is mine if I have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior. I can live with Him forever … if only I’ll be His sheep.

So let me get this straight … He will provide all my needs, restore my soul, guide me on my way, comfort me in death, protect me from my enemies, lavish me with His goodness and mercy as long as I live, and then give me everlasting life with Him … if only I’ll be His sheep.

And it’s all free to me because He’s already paid the price by shedding His blood for me.

Who wouldn’t want that?  Sounds pretty simple to me. I say, “Yes, Lord, I’m your sheep…. Baah!  Baah! Baah!!”

Dear Lord: Thank you for providing for Your children always. Please lead others to know that they can have Your wonderful provision too if only they will surrender their lives to Christ, and accept Him as their personal Savior. Jesus in the Great Shepherd, and He layed down His life for His sheep. There is no greater love than that. Oh, what a Savior! Amen

How about you? Are you His sheep? If not, isn’t it time you became one? If you would like to know more about how to receive Christ as Your Savior, just reach out to me. I would love to talk with you.

As always, I welcome your experiences, thoughts and comments to encourage our readers. Please share them with us.

May you find goodness and mercy always abiding in the greenest of pastures with our Great Shepherd.