Thoughts for the Day

The Divine Shepherd. A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Shepherds in ancient Israel often stayed out on the mountains for much of the year. They would be responsible for finding both pasture and water for the sheep from their village. In the high hills were many predators, both human and animal. Creating a temporary sheepfold out of briars, they would sleep across the entrance acting as a gate-keeper. Their only protection would be their shepherd’s staff, and a sling-shot like the one that David used against Goliath. Every sheep had to be accounted for when they returned to the village, so it was important not to lose a single sheep. Every sheep would know the shepherd’s voice, and was accustomed to follow where he led - a custom opposite to one in most European countries where sheep are rounded up.

In Psalm 23, God is seen as the Good Shepherd, who leads His sheep to fresh pastures where they can eat and beside cool streams where they can drink. He protects them from all evil, on the darkest nights and in the most dangerous of situations. We are like sheep. God watches over us throughout our lives, and calls us into a relationship with Him. Sometimes we refuse to hear His message of love, but at times we draw near to Him knowing that all we must do is follow where He leads.

↠ Do these themes speak to us today:- The Good Shepherd protects us from 'wolves' today; He restores our souls when we are stressed; He leads us to safety if we let Him; He walks beside us in dangerous places; He offers us a place in His house when we need it.

Father-God
Great Shepherd of us, Your sheep,
we ask Your guidance and Your protection
for this day, and the days to come.
May we turn to You at any time
confident that You always have
our best interests at heart,
and may we know that we have a place
in Your house for ever.
Amen.