We Need a Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 (ESV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
That says it all. Because the Lord is leading me and guiding me, I do not want for a thing, says David. This sentiment seems to ring true with many Americans.
The number 5 searched scripture in 2013 for America was Psalm 23 according to Christianity Today. We are a nation in need of direction. The growing tend of sexual promiscuity, the legalization of marijuana, the growth of unbelief in recent religious polls, the downward trend of American Christianity and church closings. From rude and obnoxious award shows to a sagging economy, this country is in desperate need of direction.
Could that be the reason it searched for a Shepherd?
Yes, but so much more.
We are built to be guided. Though we try to find our own way on so many occasions, it is installed in our Spiritual DNA to be led by the Lord. And when He's not our leader, we'll choose something or someone far less qualified.
David knew better.
David was a righteous man who was successful and he STILL longed for direction from the Lord. It was all he needed. Not more money, friends, or allies. The Lord's guidance quenched all other desires. We tend to think when we get to a certain level of success it's "I'll take it from here, God." Not for David. He was a king and a sheep at the same time. So should we, no matter how high we climb, remain a sheep in our minds. We are built to be guided.
David knew the value of shepherding. He was a wonderful shepherd himself. He fought off a bear and a lion in defense of his Father's sheep. It is no wonder he was considered a man after God's heart. David also fought off a giant and led the people to victory. He then led the nation for many years before trying to do it on his own and the system started to wobble... kind of like our Country right now.
We have a better David in Jesus. Jesus said He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He is also the gate - letting us in to find pasture, beckoning us to take His yoke upon us, calling us to be free from worry and fear. This is who Peter calls, "The great shepherd and overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). I have to admit, that is one of my favorite titles for Jesus. He is still watching out for us. He is still guiding us and keeping us in His fold. What more could we ask?
What else do we need?
That says it all. Because the Lord is leading me and guiding me, I do not want for a thing, says David. This sentiment seems to ring true with many Americans.
The number 5 searched scripture in 2013 for America was Psalm 23 according to Christianity Today. We are a nation in need of direction. The growing tend of sexual promiscuity, the legalization of marijuana, the growth of unbelief in recent religious polls, the downward trend of American Christianity and church closings. From rude and obnoxious award shows to a sagging economy, this country is in desperate need of direction.
Could that be the reason it searched for a Shepherd?
Yes, but so much more.
We are built to be guided. Though we try to find our own way on so many occasions, it is installed in our Spiritual DNA to be led by the Lord. And when He's not our leader, we'll choose something or someone far less qualified.
David knew better.
David was a righteous man who was successful and he STILL longed for direction from the Lord. It was all he needed. Not more money, friends, or allies. The Lord's guidance quenched all other desires. We tend to think when we get to a certain level of success it's "I'll take it from here, God." Not for David. He was a king and a sheep at the same time. So should we, no matter how high we climb, remain a sheep in our minds. We are built to be guided.
David knew the value of shepherding. He was a wonderful shepherd himself. He fought off a bear and a lion in defense of his Father's sheep. It is no wonder he was considered a man after God's heart. David also fought off a giant and led the people to victory. He then led the nation for many years before trying to do it on his own and the system started to wobble... kind of like our Country right now.
We have a better David in Jesus. Jesus said He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He is also the gate - letting us in to find pasture, beckoning us to take His yoke upon us, calling us to be free from worry and fear. This is who Peter calls, "The great shepherd and overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). I have to admit, that is one of my favorite titles for Jesus. He is still watching out for us. He is still guiding us and keeping us in His fold. What more could we ask?
What else do we need?
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