Names of God – Shepherd
The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
Psalm 23:1
The original Hebrew word for shepherd is ra’ah (raw-aw): to tend a flock, to associate with as a friend, companion, make friendship with.
The Webster’s Dictionary says; a person who protects, guides, or watches over other people.
I also looked at the thesaurus, and found the following; protector, guardian, shelter, shield, defender, keeper, safeguard, champion, benefactor, and provider.
Before I begin, I just want to say…WOW! God wants to associate with me as a FRIEND! He wants to be my friend! And, I just LOVE what the thesaurus says! He is my shield! He is my Defender! He is my champion! He is my benefactor! What an awesome and Mighty God we serve! Praise be to His Holy Name!
Ok…now, back to the Shepherd…
A shepherd takes loving care of his sheep, and his flock will follow him where ever he leads them. He feeds them. He protects them from hungry wolves. If they get lost, He will search for them until he finds them. He cares for them when they are hurt or sick. He is there for their birth, and helps with the delivery. A shepherd’s whole life is his sheep.
God is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. He wants to take care of us in the same way. Unfortunately, many times we jump the fence and go our own way. When we do this, our Shepherd is unable to give us all the protection, peace, and comforts we have while in His pasture.
God loves us so much. He desires our friendship and companionship. He wants us to be obedient and stay within the boundaries of His pasture. He will never force us to though. He wants us to stay willingly, because we love Him.
This verse is a promise to us. However, we must do our part in order to receive the benefits of the promise. We must remain in the pasture.
Of course, He will loves us even when we stray. However, like any parent, He must allow us to go our own way if we choose to. And, He will allow the consequences that come with straying from His pasture. You see, when we are out from under His protection, we lack peace, joy, provision, and all the many benefits that come with remaining in His pasture.
In closing, when the wolves of this world try to pull you away from the safety of a consecrated life…when they try to steer you off God’s path…remember all the protection, provision, peace, love, and joy that you will be losing if you jump the fence.
God is YOUR Shepherd!
Let’s pray,
Daddy God, I love you so very much! Thank You for loving me and wanting to know me as a friend. Thank You that You are a God that seeks relationship. Thank You for always taking care of me and providing for me. Thank You for all of the love and mercy you show me each and every day. I love You, Lord. And I want to remain close to You. I want to remain in Your pasture. I want to have all that You want me to have. Help me to never stray. Help me to stay in the narrow path that leads to You. And if I begin to veer off path, please show me so that I may change my course and remain in Your loving pasture. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
In His Love and Service,
Lara ;)
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved