"The Lord Is My Shepherd"

So begins the 23 Psalm. It is a psalm of comfort during times of sadness and anxiety. Let us consider a few points.

"The Lord" is my Shepherd, not man. It is not in man to direct his own steps, let alone those of another (Jer. 10:23). Spiritually, we must ultimately look to Christ, the Chief Shepherd of our souls, for guidance (Heb. 12:1-2; cf. 1 Pet. 5:4). He is divine, having no flaws in His judgments.

The Lord "is" my Shepherd, not "was" my Shepherd. Some people who once trusted in the Lord as their Shepherd, no longer do so. They no longer "hear" His voice, nor "follow" Him (Jn. 10:27). Rather, they hear and follow the world.

The Lord is "my" Shepherd, personally. Yes, Jesus is the Shepherd of all who hear and follow Him. However, it is also true He knows each one of His sheep in a personal way. The hairs on their heads are all numbered (Lk. 12:7).

Is the Lord your Shepherd?