Psalms 23:1-3a-"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul" (NIV)

This is one of the most popular Psalms King David ever wrote. Most of the time you hear it read at funerals to bring comfort to those who are grieving. But have you ever thought of God as a shepherd and we as his sheep? David knew a thing about shepherding and the sheep he took care of while in the fields. So, David should know a thing or two about what it takes to be a good shepherd.

A good shepherd will provide for his sheep. He will make them lie down when they are tired. He will lead them beside quiet waters to provide an atmosphere of peace. He will care for their souls. He provides guidance. Even in times of danger the shepherd will not abandon his flock but will stay and protect them. He will comfort the sheep so they will not be in fear. He truely loves his sheep and desires for them to be with him forever.

Psalms 23 reveals the heart of God the Father for those who are his children. We know that in this life we will need all the characteristics of a good shepherd to sustain us through the challenges, difficulties, successes and joys of our life. What gives me peace is knowing that God will always be with us even when time are tough. He will also be with us when times are good. God is always with us just like a good shepherd.

I experienced this type of care, love and protection about five years ago. In January of 2022 I was hospitalized with pneumonia due to having COVID. My lungs were filled with fluid and at times could not catch my breath. I had an infection that the doctors could not diagnose. So, I had a biopsy of my lung to find out the type of infection I had and the antibiotic to treat it. That biopsy almost cost me my life. 

But God came through as my good shepherd and spared my life and raised me up from that hospital bed. I was in the hospital for three weeks and then in rehabilitation facility for two more weeks. It was while lying in my bed at the rehabilitation center that God revealed to me Psalms 23: 2-3a, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." You see for the previous fifteen years I was going my own way and doing what I wanted to do. I was dealing with a lot of failure due to having resigned a position as pastor. I was dealing with anger and fear of the unknown. I also blamed God for my situation and like a lamb I wondered away from the shepherd.

It was during one of the most difficult times in my life while laying flat on my back in a hospital bed that God got my attention. I feel the Lord let me know that he had to get me to a point of laying down so that I would look up. He made me lie down so he could restore my soul. God not only restored my soul but restored my relationship with Him. I repented for going my own way. I asked God to restore both a love for people and a love for His word. I came out of that rehabilitation center determined to walk with the Lord forever. The road has not been easy but my Good Shepherd has never left my side.

How are you doing today? Have you drifted away from the shepherd? Are you trying to deal with the challenges of life in your own strength? I want to encourage you to read Psalms 23 and ask the Good Shepherd to show you his love and care for you. He loves you and wants you to always be with him.

Prayer- "Dear Good Shepherd. Thank you for all your love and care for me even when I didn't deserve it. I want to submit my life to you today and allow you to restore my soul and heal my hurts. I love you Lord and long to be with you forever. I your name I pray, Amen"