God As Our Shepherd - Week 1
“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 paths of righteousness for his name's sake” — Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s purpose for us. We chase after more—more success, more possessions, more approval—believing these things will bring peace and fulfillment. But the truth is, the Lord, our Shepherd, offers us a far greater peace than anything we could gain on our own. When we trust Him, we find that we lack nothing that truly matters. God knows exactly what we need and, as our Shepherd, He provides, guides, and restores us.
David's declaration in Psalm 23, “I shall not want,” reminds us that when we follow God’s lead, we are not lacking. This doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties or desires, but it means that God provides what is best for us in every season. Often, the world offers us ways to fulfill our desires, but they can leave us empty or chasing after the next thing. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” — Proverbs 14:12 (ESV). Our own plans may seem wise, but without God’s guidance, they can lead us astray. The Shepherd knows the path we should take, and He will lead us to what is best for us.
God’s provision is often not in the way we expect. In 1 Kings 17:3-7, God sent Elijah to the brook Cherith, where He provided water and sent ravens to feed him. Even when Elijah was in a place of isolation and uncertainty, God continued to provide in unexpected ways. The same is true for us: God often provides in ways that don’t fit our own expectations or timing. But when we trust Him and follow His lead, we find that His provision is always perfect. Just as the ravens brought food to Elijah, God’s care for us is never random; it is intentional and purposeful, always in the right place and at the right time.
When we follow God’s guidance, we experience true peace and restoration. In Psalm 23, the green pastures represent a place of abundance, peace, and rest—exactly what we need in a world that demands so much from us. God leads us beside still waters, a place of calm in the midst of chaos. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” — Proverbs 16:7 (ESV). When we align our lives with God’s will, we find peace that transcends circumstances. It’s not just external peace, but inner peace—resting in the knowledge that the Shepherd is in control, even when life feels uncertain.
God is also our protector. Just as a shepherd guards his flock from predators, God protects us from the dangers we cannot see. His guidance is always ahead of us, leading us along the path of righteousness. But following His lead requires trust. In times when we feel lost or unsure, it’s easy to resist God’s direction or try to take control. Yet, when we let go of our own plans and trust God’s guidance, we find that He leads us to a place of safety, restoration, and true fulfillment.
God’s provision and guidance are not just for us individually—they are part of His greater plan. As we follow Him, we are also called to help others along the path. Forgiveness, grace, and love are central to walking in the Shepherd’s footsteps. We must learn to speak life into the people around us, even when they frustrate or disappoint us. Holding onto bitterness doesn’t hurt them; it poisons us. God’s call to follow Him is a call to reflect His character to the world around us. This is part of the restoration that He brings—not just to us, but to others as well.
As you reflect on your own journey, consider where you need God’s guidance or restoration. Are there areas where you are resisting His direction or trying to do things on your own? Trust that the Shepherd is leading you to green pastures and still waters, and that He will provide everything you need along the way. No matter how uncertain the path may seem, God’s guidance is perfect, and His provision is always enough.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. I trust that You know what I need, even when I don’t. Help me to follow Your guidance, even when the way forward is unclear. I release my own plans and trust You to lead me to green pastures and still waters. Restore my soul, and help me to find peace in Your presence. I also pray for the strength to forgive and speak life over others, just as You have shown me grace. Thank You for Your perfect provision and for leading me on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Psalm 23:1-3, Proverbs 14:12, 1 Kings 17:3-7, Proverbs 16:7
“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 paths of righteousness for his name's sake” — Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s purpose for us. We chase after more—more success, more possessions, more approval—believing these things will bring peace and fulfillment. But the truth is, the Lord, our Shepherd, offers us a far greater peace than anything we could gain on our own. When we trust Him, we find that we lack nothing that truly matters. God knows exactly what we need and, as our Shepherd, He provides, guides, and restores us.
David's declaration in Psalm 23, “I shall not want,” reminds us that when we follow God’s lead, we are not lacking. This doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties or desires, but it means that God provides what is best for us in every season. Often, the world offers us ways to fulfill our desires, but they can leave us empty or chasing after the next thing. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” — Proverbs 14:12 (ESV). Our own plans may seem wise, but without God’s guidance, they can lead us astray. The Shepherd knows the path we should take, and He will lead us to what is best for us.
God’s provision is often not in the way we expect. In 1 Kings 17:3-7, God sent Elijah to the brook Cherith, where He provided water and sent ravens to feed him. Even when Elijah was in a place of isolation and uncertainty, God continued to provide in unexpected ways. The same is true for us: God often provides in ways that don’t fit our own expectations or timing. But when we trust Him and follow His lead, we find that His provision is always perfect. Just as the ravens brought food to Elijah, God’s care for us is never random; it is intentional and purposeful, always in the right place and at the right time.
When we follow God’s guidance, we experience true peace and restoration. In Psalm 23, the green pastures represent a place of abundance, peace, and rest—exactly what we need in a world that demands so much from us. God leads us beside still waters, a place of calm in the midst of chaos. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” — Proverbs 16:7 (ESV). When we align our lives with God’s will, we find peace that transcends circumstances. It’s not just external peace, but inner peace—resting in the knowledge that the Shepherd is in control, even when life feels uncertain.
God is also our protector. Just as a shepherd guards his flock from predators, God protects us from the dangers we cannot see. His guidance is always ahead of us, leading us along the path of righteousness. But following His lead requires trust. In times when we feel lost or unsure, it’s easy to resist God’s direction or try to take control. Yet, when we let go of our own plans and trust God’s guidance, we find that He leads us to a place of safety, restoration, and true fulfillment.
God’s provision and guidance are not just for us individually—they are part of His greater plan. As we follow Him, we are also called to help others along the path. Forgiveness, grace, and love are central to walking in the Shepherd’s footsteps. We must learn to speak life into the people around us, even when they frustrate or disappoint us. Holding onto bitterness doesn’t hurt them; it poisons us. God’s call to follow Him is a call to reflect His character to the world around us. This is part of the restoration that He brings—not just to us, but to others as well.
As you reflect on your own journey, consider where you need God’s guidance or restoration. Are there areas where you are resisting His direction or trying to do things on your own? Trust that the Shepherd is leading you to green pastures and still waters, and that He will provide everything you need along the way. No matter how uncertain the path may seem, God’s guidance is perfect, and His provision is always enough.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. I trust that You know what I need, even when I don’t. Help me to follow Your guidance, even when the way forward is unclear. I release my own plans and trust You to lead me to green pastures and still waters. Restore my soul, and help me to find peace in Your presence. I also pray for the strength to forgive and speak life over others, just as You have shown me grace. Thank You for Your perfect provision and for leading me on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Psalm 23:1-3, Proverbs 14:12, 1 Kings 17:3-7, Proverbs 16:7
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