Daily Devotion for April 18, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 49

 

I Need a Shepherd

 

The twenty-third psalm begins with,
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...."  Psalm 23:1

 

I have heard sermons, discussions, read books, and reviewed explanation after explanation of the deep spiritual meanings of this passage. I have heard it read and quoted in funerals, I have used it myself on more occasions than I can recall to comfort, encourage, and remind people of the constant presence of the Lord during times of crisis and loss.

 

Though the lessons and applications are diverse and deep, when I read the words of this passage, the message for me is simple: I need a shepherd. In spite of all the other meanings that apply at one time or another, the consistent message for me is that I need a shepherd. God knew me well enough, long before I was ever born, to know that I need a shepherd, and to provide me with a shepherd. I need a shepherd.

 

When times are difficult and I struggle to feel His presence, I need a shepherd.

 

When my children are struggling to find their way and I struggle with how to best help them, I need a shepherd.

 

When a decision has to be made and I am not sure how to decide, I need a shepherd.

 

When life is going so well that I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.

 

When life is not going well and I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.

 

When I think that I have everything under control, I need a shepherd.

 

When I feel that I have nothing under control, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am lonely, I need a shepherd. When I am surrounded by friends, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am on the right course, I need a shepherd. When I am not sure where the course is, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am rising in the morning, resting in the evening, eating my meals, enjoying a walk, playing with children, reading a book, watching television, or listening to music, I need a shepherd.

 

I need a shepherd. Every day, every night, every minute of every hour, I need a shepherd.

 

Whatever the interpretation or the insight, for me the message is simple: I need a shepherd, and I have a shepherd.

 

I need a shepherd!
I need The Shepherd

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…. Ezekiel 34:16

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for being my shepherd, one who is always there for me.  Help me to always follow you and your voice.  Amen

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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