The Shepherd Loves Us Devotional Guide
Monday: One could argue that the 23rd Psalm is the most beloved and most popular passage in the Bible. It is read and prayed at more bedsides, hospitals, worship services and funerals than we can count. It strikes a deep chord within us. I am sure you can think of particular moments in your life when the 23rd Psalm comforted you. What makes it so special? What makes it so significant? What does the 23rd Psalm mean to you and why?
Tuesday: One important aspect of the 23rd Psalm is that it expresses our deep need for a shepherd. David began the Psalm with, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” We often read and recite this first verse routinely, but, for David, it was a proud statement: “The Lord is my Shepherd. You want to know who my shepherd is? The Lord. You want to know who guides me and protects me? It is the Lord. The Lord is my shepherd and, therefore, I do not want for anything!” For David, the Lord was all he needed. We often try to fill the void in our lives with everything but the Shepherd but it is the love and companionship of the Shepherd that truly satisfies. Can you think of a moment in your life when you learned this lesson?
Wednesday: We need a shepherd because we are very similar to sheep. There’s a reason why this particular Psalm refers to us, or compares us, to sheep. Sheep are completely dependent upon a shepherd for their survival. Sheep would get lost, abused, and devoured without guidance and protection. Sheep depend completely on the shepherd for every aspect of their lives. Name a desperate time in your life when you were completely dependent on the Lord.
Thursday: The progressive rock band U2 has a song entitled, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Here are some of the lyrics: “I’ve climbed the highest mountain. I’ve run through the fields. I have run, I have crawled, I have scaled these city walls, but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.” Does that describe you today? Augustine wrote that “there is a God-shaped void in all of us that only God can fill.” Money can’t fill it. Escapades can’t fill it. Pleasure can’t fill it. Success will never fill it. Trophies will never fill it. Awards will never fill it. Only the Shepherd will fill that void. In what ways have you tried and failed in finding what you are looking for?
Friday: Do you know the Shepherd? The central question of the Christian faith is not, “What denomination are you a part of?” or, “Do you believe in the virgin birth?” The central question of our faith is not, “Are you liberal or conservative?” The central question of the Christian faith is, “Do you really know the Shepherd?” There are three people in this world: those who know nothing of Jesus Christ, those who know something of Jesus Christ, and those who really know Jesus Christ as the Shepherd. Which one are you?