The LORD is my shepherd.
The LORD is my shepherd.
The LORD is my shepherd.
The LORD is my shepherd.

Everyone has a favorite Psalm. Most people will say the Psalms 23 is one of their favorites. Just reading it in times of trouble comforts me. I know that I have gone back to it so many times. As a child, sometimes I would quote it to myself when I was scared or as an adult when the darkness seems to be closing in on me. I am so grateful to have a mother who loved scripture and wanted me to memorize it. She now has a lot of limitations, but even when she can’t remember all the things she wants to recall, she can finish the verses, even sometimes a chapter of scripture.

As I looked at this Psalm this morning, I felt the need to really slow down and think of each word of each line. It gave me more peace to think about how each word that David penned had life giving meaning.

“THE” giving the emphasis here as “the one and only” true God and LORD of all. Through Jesus “all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16 NASB) There is nothing that he does not completely control. I can trust Him knowing He watches over us.

The “LORD” “Yahweh Rohi”. The Hebrew name Rohi means that my God and my shepherd is caring for His people in every way, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The name can be both a noun and a verb meaning “to shepherd” or “to pasture”. “Rohi” symbolically “associating with”, “taking pleasure in” and “cherishing”.(from www.myredeemerlives.com)

When I stop to remember that the LORD takes pleasure in me, even though I don’t understand why at times, I am brought to tears of gratitude and thanksgiving. He will always be there to lift us up if we turn to Him. He is the “lifter of my head”. It has been said that if He allows us to suffer through something, He will be ever so close to watch over the heat so that when we will go “through” the fire and come out we are without even the smell of smoke. Is.43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Yes, The LORD is my shepherd.

My desire is to live my life with the emphasis on the word “is” with my shepherd. I want my actions “to be” as in a lifelong daily practice of walking with the Lord as my shepherd. The verb “is” is a linking verb. I want to be “linked” with my shepherd.

Yes, even the tiny word “is” has deeper meaning when used in the context of the shepherd’s leading.

The LORD is my shepherd. Placing the emphasis on “my” as a personal shepherd, reminds me that He wants a personal relationship with me. A relationship that is two-way. His sheep hear His voice. He knows them by name. He is their healer, their provider, and their protector.

I am so thankful that the LORD is my shepherd.

The LORD is my shepherd”. John 10:11,14 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

What a wonderful comforting scripture to have in one’s memory. When things get tough, and at some point in our lives, trials will come. The storms will rage, the fire will glow with intensity, and the waters will feel as though they will overflow us. I will hold on to the promise that the LORD is my shepherd.

Until next week,

Be blessed knowing the shepherd is watching.

I am not alone and neither are you!!