The Good Shepherd

You have a Shepherd. 

 When I began to read Psalm 23, I was prepared to read a familiar scripture. It’s a passage that I’ve read, prayed, heard in at least 10 sermons, and even sang the verses with Shane and Shane (and let me just say… they definitely sang it a lot better than I did.) This particular Psalm refers back to one of the most well known “I Am” statements from Jesus: reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd. Although the truth of Jesus being our Shepherd is one I have heard many times, the weight of it didn’t set in until I began to study the meaning and consider how much I believed it in my heart. 

Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” How easy is it for me to believe this when my life isn’t going the way I expected and I’m disappointed? Could I really say this and mean it when I didn’t get what I had hoped for? When I’m frustrated, confused, in need of guidance, and longing for answers? How often do I say that the Lord is my Shepherd and still want more? 

I’ve lived in a season of waiting and wanting for many years now. Being almost 22 and realizing a middle-schooler has probably had more relationships than me isn’t always the easiest pill to swallow. I’ve spent the majority of my life wanting and praying for my future husband, and I’d be lying if I said that over these years I didn’t feel disappointed, heart-broken, or like I was praying an empty prayer that wasn’t being heard. You may be able to relate to my story or you may be fighting a different battle altogether, but take rest in knowing that you have a Shepherd, and not only is He your Shepherd, but John 10:10-11 says that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who hears your prayers and promises to always protect, guide, and provide for you.

 In the years I’ve spent longing for someone to love, I’ve found the One who loves me more than any person ever could. While I still hope marriage is in His plans for my life, I can rest knowing that I’ve already been provided everything I need through Jesus. His provision may not always look the way you thought it would, but in everything God always promises to provide more of Him. For you, it may look like a season of waiting, a heartbreak, the loss of your job, or an unanswered prayer, but take rest knowing that in Phillipians 4:19 Paul says with confidence, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ.” 

 Three days ago we celebrated the greatest gift, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God’s ultimate provision for our lives. We may want a lot of things in life, but we’ve been given a Shepherd who is all we need, and He promises that if you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) He sees you, hears you, He knows you. Keep praying, keep hoping, and trust that the One who will leave the 99 to find you is working all things out for your good. 

We may be social distancing, but don’t distance yourself from the Father. You have a Shepherd and He knows your name. In John 10:14 Jesus said, “I know my own and my own know me.” Take the time to get to know your Shepherd and I will do the same. 

With love, 

Miranda