Read
(A psalm by David.)
The Good Shepherd
1You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
2 You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
along the right paths.
4I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod
makes me feel safe.
5You treat me to a feast,
while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
until it overflows.
6Your kindness and love
will always be with me
each day of my life,
and I will live forever
in your house, Lord.
Reflect
If there is a biblical recipe or prescription for the good life, it can be found in the words of this psalm. This is a psalm full of satisfaction. It oozes with the very fullness of life; it overflows with a quiet peace. There is a mellow ripeness to these words that runs down your chin, lights a spark in your eye, and puts a spring in your step.
The first line is the key to it all. Is the Lord your shepherd? If he is, then all the rest follows: the refreshing, the goodness, and the love, simply come trailing along behind him as you follow in his steps. This is so easy, so obvious; you can miss it, because it seems far too simple.
We live in a world that is in feverish pursuit of the good life. The self-centred pursuit of happiness has become the crowning, but ever elusive goal. The word “pursuit” says it all. Apparently, happiness is something we are to chase after.
What a profoundly different model for the good life is found within the words of this psalm. The good life, which in our hearts we all seek, is anchored in the Good Shepherd. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. Listen to his words, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep, and my sheep know me” (John 10:14 NIV).
It is in following Him, rather than following our own desires, that happiness comes. There is an abundance that comes into play the moment we surrender our stubborn will to the Good Shepherd.
Respond
Dear Lord Jesus, guide my steps. Shepherd me today. I want to hear your voice and follow you all the days of my life. Amen.
David Kitz
David Kitz is an actor, an award-winning author, and teacher. For more than thirty years, he has served as an ordained pastor. His love for drama is evident to all who have seen his Bible-based performances. He has toured across Canada and United States with a variety of one man plays for children and adults. Raised in Saskatchewan, David now lives in Ottawa with his wife Karen. Books in print: The Soldier Who Killed a King, Little Froggy Explores the BIG World, Psalms Alive!, Tunks on Tongues