September 14

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." (Psalm 23:1 NIV)

Philip Keller tells in his meditation on the 23rd Psalm about a ewe that was an especially beautiful sheep, with a strong physical presence, a superb coat, a lovely face and pretty eyes. She delivered solid lambs that grew quickly. But in spite of all this she had one serious problem. She was restless and unhappy. She often tried to crawl under the fence to freedom. Regardless of how good the food was that the shepherd prepared for her, she wanted to get to the other side. The serious problem was that this ewe taught her lambs to do the same thing and she was a poor example for the other sheep. Finally Keller had to, as a shepherd for the flock, put down the beautiful ewe, even though it was a difficult decision to make, because Keller loved his ewe just as much as the other sheep.

God wants us as Christians to be satisfied with the enormous care the Lord, our Shepherd bestows. He wants us to understand, just as David did, that when the Lord is our Shepherd there’s nothing we shall want. His reward is when the sheep are satisfied and secure in His care.

Prayer

Jesus, You are my Good Shepherd, I want to be content today and grateful to You for all You do for me and for what You have prepared for me today.