Friday, May 17, 2019
Dear Sheared Family: The writer of the 23rd Psalm was King David. King David was a shepherd in his youth. He knew the needs of sheep and the responsibilities of a shepherd. David, who had experienced God’s tender care in his life, wrote what has been called “a psalm of assurance or trust.” The 23rd Psalm describes three ways Almighty God (Psalms 83:18 K.J.V.) cares for his people as a shepherd would care for his sheep. (Psalm 100:3)
1) Almighty God leads his sheep (followers). Sheep without their shepherd tend to get lost. Similarly, we need help to find the right path in life. (Jeremiah 10:23) As David explains: God guides his people to “grassy pastures” and “well-watered resting-places.” He leads us “in the tracks of righteousness.” (Psalms 23:2, 3) These pastoral images reassure us that we can trust in God. By following the leadings of his spirit as reflected in the Holy Bible, we can pursue a way of life that brings true contentment, refreshment, and security.
2) Almighty God protects his sheep (followers) Without their shepherd, sheep are fearful and helpless. God tells his people that they need not fear, not even when they “walk in the valley of deep shadow”—during what may seem to be the darkest moments in life (Psalms 23:4) like during the death of a loved one. The Almighty watches over us, ever ready to help us. He can give us the wisdom and strength we need in order to cope as we grieve.—Philippians 4:13; James 1:2-5.
3) Almighty God feeds his sheep (followers) Sheep are dependent on their shepherd to find food for them. We have a spiritual need that can be filled only with God’s help. (Matthew 5:3) Thankfully, The True God is a generous Provider, arranging before his servants a bounteous table of spiritual nourishment. (Psalms 23:5) These Bible and Bible study publications are available only through His organized people today. This information you are reading came from that source and is the spiritual food that satisfies our need to know the meaning of life and God’s purpose for us.
