Trust God: He is The Good Shepherd
Do you ever wish life was easy? Like all rainbows and unicorns? I do. Lots of fun times and no bad. Unfortunately, that’s not how life is. Even the Bible promises we will have trouble. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (NLT). However, the way we see our struggles will determine how we deal with them. Right after, Jesus continues by reminding us that He has overcome the world. Jesus has conquered sin and death. We can trust Him to give us strength and a way forward when we are in those hard times. That being said, when I’m in the middle of the storms of life, I want God to show me the way, lay it all out there so I can see which path to take and how it’s all going to turn out (with rainbows on the other side). I pray for wisdom and guidance, expecting Him to light the whole path, like they do on an airplane with the lighted aisles, showing me exactly where to go. I have learned from experience that doesn’t usually happen. However, in reading Psalms 23, God has shown me what will happen if I trust Him. David, as shepherd, wrote this Psalm showing how God is our ultimate Shepherd.
He provides what I need
Not only do I want Him to show me exactly where to go, I want all the details of how my life is going to turn out. I want to know about my job, my relationships, my business I’m trying to start. I worry about what’s happening next week, month or year. Where should I live? Should I find another job? Again, God doesn’t give me that much information. He asks me to trust Him everyday. Psalms 23 starts out with David saying, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” God provides all that we need. He provides rest, refreshment and strength. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He said, “Give us each day the food we need (Luke 11:3 NLT).” This goes back to the Israelites in the wilderness when God provided food for them. They were told to gather manna daily, only what they needed for that day. Some didn’t trust God and took more in order to have enough for the next day. Unfortunately, it got moldy and had maggots. I can trust Him to provide what I need for today. If He provided all the details, I wouldn’t need to rely on Him.
Lamp to guide my feet
While God doesn’t illuminate my whole entire path, He does promise to light my way. In verses 3 and 4, David says that God guides him along the right paths and is there close beside him when going through the darkest valley. I don’t have to be afraid, for as a shepherd helps his sheep along the path and shows the way through the dark, Jesus will guide me. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path (NLT).” When I read this, I used to think it meant that God would tell me exactly where to go and what to do. However, in studying scripture, and through experience, I’ve realized that’s not the case.
When this Psalm was written, they didn’t have high powered flashlights or streetlights to light their way in the dark. They had lanterns that lit up the path for a few feet at a time. I think about the little light on my phone. I have been out in the dark with that as my only light. While it’s helpful, it only lights up a few steps in front of me. That is what this verse is saying. God will guide us but we have to continually stay in His word to know our next steps. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we again find God promising His help. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” As long as I stay close by His side, read His word and seek His will, He is my Light and will illuminate my path.
He takes care of me
It can be stressful when a relationship doesn’t go how you’d hoped. Or you didn’t get the diagnosis from the doctor that you had prayed for. Maybe you have an interview for a promotion or a new job, or you are starting out on a whole new venture. I don’t know about you, but I start to worry about how it’s going to turn out. I get anxious about what I should say or do, how the other person will respond, or what others will think. Many places in the Bible God reminds us not to be anxious. He promises to be there with us. Not only does God provide for my needs and guide me along the path, He prepares a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. I will always have enemies around me, though they come in many forms – a human, a diagnosis, my own insecurities or fears. However, He is my provider and protector. I don’t have to be afraid or anxious when I have God on my side! Not only that but He places me in a place of honor by anointing my head with oil. Oil was also used by shepherds to heal wounds and injuries. The end of verse 5 says, “My cup overflows with blessings.” God doesn’t just meet my needs. When I fully trust in Him, His provision for me and protection over me, He will go above and beyond.
This is so encouraging for me as I navigate a difficult situation. I know that God is there for me, providing what I need, leading me down the path, and protecting me. Do I know exactly what to do or where to go? No, but I know my Shepherd knows and He will lead me. Everything will work out with Him by my side. Won’t you trust Him too?