If you’ve seen Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” TED talk you’ll understand how important it is to ask Why? (If you haven’t seen it, it’s a good talk).
“Why” Is a powerful question. It can also be annoying when asked by a persistent 5 year old….”but why, daddy, why?”
Over the next three weeks let’s ask “Why?” to the three future statements in Psalm 23:
I shall not want
I shall not fear
I shall dwell with the LORD
Psalm 23
1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Why does David not want? Because the LORD is his shepherd. What does that mean?
Because of the expertise, knowledge, love, care and sacrifice of the shepherd, the sheep are utterly contented. He goes on to explain that the shepherd provides green pastures and clean water (23:2).
23:3 “He leads me down the right paths” – the shepherd knows the terrain, he knows what’s over the next hill, he knows where to go and where not to go. How do you handle change – new paths? Change is hard, but when our Shepherd guides us down new or different paths we can trust Him!
23:3 “…for the sake of his reputation.” Interesting! You can tell if a shepherd is good by the contented health of the sheep. Bad shepherds will have mangy sheep, he’ll allow them to sit far too long in the same pasture until it provides no strength for the sheep, and until the water become polluted and foul. His care for us reflects on His reputation. Our Shepherd laid down His life for us (John 10:7-18). He cares for us!
Here’s the deal: The Shepherd you follow dictates the direction and quality of your life.
Who is your shepherd? Who is guiding you? Where are you being guided? Can your shepherd provide clean water and green grass? Idols in our culture make promises they cannot fulfill.
Stay close to the Shepherd, we can trust Him and He cares for us.
Enjoy Walking with the Savior Today,
John