God is Our Good Shepherd
(Overcomer Wu)

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...” --Psalm 23:1

When David uttered these words in Psalms 23, he knew exactly from his own personal experiences what he was talking about. In his youth, David was devoted to caring for, protecting, and nurturing his sheep. Carefully he watched over them, courageously and vehemently he defended them (we are told that he had to fight off a bear and a lion in protecting his sheep), tenderly he healed them, and abundantly he provided for them. As a good shepherd, he was aware of the many dangers and opportunities that the sheep were not able to perceive on their own. When he called, they knew his voice, and they depended upon the guidance, protection, comfort and sustenance that David provided them. Therefore, in Psalm 23:1 when David proclaimed, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Please note that David used the personal pronoun “my,” because he knew that the Lord was caring for him, as He does with each one of us, with the immense care and love of a Shepherd far greater than what he was able to render to his own beloved flock.

Our very weakness gives opportunity for the power of the Lord Jesus as our Good Shepherd to be manifested. He will never leaves nor forsakes us (Heb 13:5b). The greater our weaknesses, the greater we afford Him the opportunity to demonstrate His infinite strength in the One Who choose to prove Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are committed to Him (2 Chron 16:9). The greater our need, the more we will rely on Him Who will provide for us abundantly above all that we could ask or think. This too has been my experience through the many years of severe trials – the more severe the trial, the more intense the pain and ailment, the nearer the Lord is as my “Ever-Present Help in trouble” (Psa 46:1). Often the appearance was as if I would be crashed and overwhelmed, but that never happen because the Lord Himself is the One Who has borne me through it all. Our part is simply to trust our Good loving Shepherd with more exercise of faith and prayer with patience in Him Who will never fail us.

In this self-sufficient world, it is often difficult, especially for a man, to admit the need for a shepherd. Yet having the Lord care for my needs is a great gift and privilege that we should not forfeit. Calling on the Lord as 'my Shepherd' signifies identity and privilege. As my Shepherd, He is both my Provider and my Protector. Since we are indeed the Lord's and the “sheep of His pasture” (Psa 100:3), we bear His name and belong to Him (Eph 1:13); thus, we have become the recipients of all His benefits. Therefore in Revelation 7:16-17, the believers are explicitly told of the wonderful promises of God being our Good Shepherd. “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Praise the Lord that we are privileged to have God as our Good Shepherd Who will tend to all our need, our hurts, our weaknesses with loving care and tender compassion when we have full faith in Him!