We’re thrilled to hear devotional thoughts from Darla Forrester this week. If you don’t know her, you can learn a bit about her on our contributors page.
A couple of years ago, my good friend Jen Thompson and I embarked on one of our bucket list items together—a trip to the Holy Land. It was one of the most precious memories of my lifetime. Each day was filled with unforgettable experiences: ancient archeology, gorgeous landscapes, and, most importantly, thoughtful reflections as we walked where Jesus walked.
One unexpected sight that stuck with me occurred as we drove on the tour bus to the next destination on our itinerary. Looking out my window, I saw two shepherds tending their herds on the rocky hillside. These modern-day shepherds looked slightly different from my mental image of biblical shepherds as they were wearing baseball caps and sneakers while checking their smartphones! But they were still doing the same thing: tending sheep.
This past year has been a grieving and growing year for our family with the loss of my dad, and Psalm 23 was especially comforting to me during many nights as I tossed and turned, desperately needing sleep. When my mind refused to shut down, I’d often visualize David writing this psalm as he watched over his herd. Knowing my Shepherd was watching over me brought peace to my muddled heart and mind.
I love the personal nature of Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shepherd. He knows me personally. We often emphasize the first part of verse one for this reason, but while reading David Guzik’s commentary on Psalm 23 a few weeks back, one thing he said especially stuck with me regarding the second half of this verse.
Guzik noted that you could read it as both a declaration and a decision. By echoing the psalmist David’s words, “I shall not want,” I’m boldly declaring that the Shepherd supplies all my needs. At the same time, I’m also consciously deciding that I don’t need anything apart from what my Shepherd provides. Guzik sums it up: “For David, the fact of God’s shepherd-like care was the end of dissatisfied need.”
Sheep aren’t the most intelligent creatures. And they have a lot of needs. Just like we do! They need a shepherd to calm them and lead them to still waters. They often have to be physically made to lie down and rest. (Sound familiar, moms?) They need the shepherd’s correction, protection, and provision. They need to hear his comforting voice. They need his presence before, beside, and behind them, showering them with his goodness and mercy as they flee predators and traverse the rocky hillsides. Often, the sheep don’t even see their needs, but their shepherd wisely does and lovingly cares for them.
When nights are long and the needs of this world press upon you, recall David’s words, “I shall not want.” Speak them as a firm declaration, knowing your Shepherd will provide for your needs—the known and the unknown! Pursue Him, seeking only what He gives. He’s the Good Shepherd, who “giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He’s my Shepherd. And He’s all I need.
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