Recently we read through Psalm 23, a passage of comfort and reassurance that our Heavenly Father is the good shepherd. A spotlight seemed to shine on the words, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” The poignant imagery of Jesus as our shepherd in the psalm brings reassurance—because the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing. No matter how much or how little we have in this life, if we know Jesus, if He indeed is our Shepherd, we can say with confidence: I lack nothing! Whatever situation we may face, we have the assurance that He will walk with us through the darkest valley, the most painful relationship, or challenging situation because he is Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd. He is the lover of our souls, our comforter, our teacher and our guide and we are his forever.
Our Good Shepherd
Because of His grace, Jesus guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Because of His grace, I am afraid of nothing because Jesus is with me.
Because of His grace, Jesus prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Because of His grace, He anoints my head with oil.
Because of His grace, my blessings overflow.
Jesus loves us lavishly! We are sons and daughters of the most High God and he withholds no good thing from those who love him as it says in Psalm 84:11.
The All-Sufficient Grace of God
The all-sufficiency of God’s race is why you and I can say with confidence, “I lack nothing.” Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, even during times where it may feel like we lack everything, God’s grace is sufficient for you because God’s power is made perfect in weakness. In the midst of pain, God is with us. In the midst of injustice, God is for us. Whatever battle you are facing, whatever hardship, rest assured that God the Father is with you.
Seeking Forgiveness
When we recognize the depth of our own sin and find forgiveness, freedom and newness of life in the person of Jesus Christ, we begin to understand the profound gift of grace. As our memory verse reflects, “By grace we are saved. Not of ourselves, it is a gift of God… We must come to God as little children, completely dependent upon his mercy, his atonement, his sacrifice. It’s all about Him.
Jesus is inviting us to experience His pleasure, His passion, His love for you. As you close your eyes, take hold of His hand, His nail scared hand, and let him lead you beside still waters and restore your soul. He is the good shepherd who takes great delight in you, who quiets you with his love and rejoices over you with singing.
