My Personal God: My Shepherd
by David Chadwick
The eternal God of the universe wants to be your close, personal friend. He longs to show himself to you as your support, your redeemer, and your friend.
He also wants to be your shepherd. Perhaps the most beloved psalm in the Bible begins with these words: “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).
Think of all the ways a shepherd cares for his sheep. He leads, guides, cleans, and feeds them. Throughout the night, he protects them by sleeping in the doorway of the sheep pen. The only way predators can get to the sheep is by first attacking the shepherd.
In the Old Testament, God is described as the shepherd of Israel. And in the New Testament, Jesus portrays himself as the great shepherd of his people (John 10). In John 10:27, Jesus says that he knows each of his sheep. As his sheep, we can hear his voice, recognize it, follow him, and trust him to lead us to safety (John 10:27).
A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. And that’s exactly what Jesus did for us! Because of his great love for us, he died for our sins. If even one of Jesus' sheep becomes lost, he leaves the 99 to bring the one lost sheep back home (Matthew 18:12). Jesus is a good and kind shepherd. And you matter to him.
Is Jesus the shepherd of your life? Pray to him today, “God, be my Shepherd! Protect me from harm. Keep me safe. When I wander, seek me. And always bring me back to you. I love you, Daddy! You are my personal God!”
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. I will never lack anything. I need nothing else.