Comforter, provider, protector. Isn’t this what we are looking for when the unwanted diagnosis comes, the loss of income leads to financial uncertainty, broken relationships lead to loneliness, or death brings separation for the loved ones left behind? We need comfort in the hurt, protection from harm and assurance that everything will be okay. We need a Shepherd.

In His Word, God likens Himself to a Shepherd and knowing the life of a shepherd and his care for sheep, David could boldly declare “The Lord is my Shepherd” as he wrote Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23 NLT)

Life began for David as a shepherd boy, where he diligently cared for the needs of his flock. While he led them toward fertile pastures and a source of water, David also became a skilled protector of his sheep warding off predators with his rod and staff, as well as the precise aim of a rock in his sling. Finding a lost lamb meant gently carrying it back to the fold and tending to injuries. David knew each of his sheep, and they willingly followed him. Through his daily loving care and guidance, they trusted him. Because he was a good shepherd, his sheep lacked nothing, and without him, they would lack everything. Knowing the role of a shepherd, David could confidently say with God as his Shepherd, he lacked nothing.

With humble beginnings, David’s life ended in royalty as king. However, his entire life was not filled with green pastures. How many of his writings are filled with despair as he hides from enemies seeking his life? He walked through many shadows and dark valleys. Temptation led to sin and distance from God. He was lost and alone, but God pursued him. With God’s forgiveness and grace, David found comfort and healing. Through his life with God as his Shepherd, David was renewed, restored, and strengthened. With his Good Shepherd, David lacked nothing, and without Him, David lacked everything. He could confidently proclaim “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.”

We are sheep in need of a shepherd. As our Shepherd, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is our provider, protector, and friend. The journey of life is not filled with green pastures and flowing waters all the time. Sometimes we step into a valley and our steps darken as we enter into a shadowy land. Sometimes we take wrong turns and end up lost or alone. As our Shepherd, God takes a firm hold of our hand, guiding our steps through the dark places. Using the difficulties of life to shape and mold us, He will lead us back to green pastures. With our arrival back to fertile places, our trust in Him has strengthened. We are restored and renewed. We have grown, matured, and become just a bit more like Him. We come to the place where we know that no matter where life takes us, we have all that we need. We have God as our Shepherd.

I do not know what you are facing today, but I do know that if you are God’s child, He is your Shepherd. He will meet you where you are. He will guide you through paths of uncertainty. He will seek you when you are lost. With arms firmly around you, He will carry you through the deepest valley. He will walk you through life until He takes you to your eternal home. With God you lack nothing, and without God you lack everything. With David you can confidently proclaim “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.”