By Toni Ford
There is a famous Psalm written by David, who was once a shepherd boy who turned a mighty king. David knew what it meant to take care of helpless animals like sheep. However, David’s greatest understanding was knowing what it meant to have God the Father as his shepherd, providing and watching over him.
As I’ve spent some time the last two weeks listening to other spiritual leaders and spending my own time alone with the Lord in prayer, Psalm 23 keeps coming up. Some say that we will need to be reminded of this Scripture several times throughout the coming year.
Personally, since Psalm 23 keeps coming up in my time with the Lord, I will probably dig in a little deeper and stay a little closer to this passage of Scripture during 2023. No doubt that this Scripture is filled with powerful truths that can be an encouragement to all of us, not only in good times but in our weakest moments.
Let’s look at some of these truths that David writes about in this psalm. As you read them, declare them over your own life today.
The Lord is my Shepherd. A shepherd is a guide and a leader, always wanting the very best for his sheep. This also represents that the God of the universe wants a relationship with us!
I have all that I need. This is the outcome of the Heavenly Father as my shepherd. He is our provider and our supplier in all areas of life: spiritual, physical and emotional. As long as we keep our focus on Him as our Shepherd, we will see that He truly is all we need.
He is my guide and my peace. Verse 2-3 says, “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Our Messiah alone refreshes us and gives us rest like no other.
He is my protector and comforter. Even when we walk through our darkest valleys, when we are gripped with fear, He is close beside us and provides comfort and protection like no one else can. He is your protector and comforter!
He honors and blesses me with all good things. Our God is good, and it is His desire to bless us with blessings overflowing. To dwell in the house of the Lord and to be in relationship with Him pro-vides a safety and security that can only be found in Him.
He pursues me with goodness and unfailing love. He pursues us always, even when we do not pursue Him. Oh, how He loves you and me!
Lord, thank you for being my leader, my guide and my Shepherd. You know today all the areas in my life where I need you to guide me and lead me, so I thank You today for your provision in my life in these areas.
Thank You for being all that I need, for your pro-vision in my life physically, mentally and emotionally. Lord, please help me keep my eyes on You, as You alone as my good shepherd this coming year. Father, You are my guide and my peace, so I pray that You direct me in the paths I need to take.
You know my fears and the valleys I walk through, and I pray that You would protect me and comfort me. Your peace overwhelms me during those times. I pray for Your peace to surround me and my home. I know that only You can help me get through those tough times, so I call out to You as my comforter and provider.
Thank You, Lord, for honoring and blessing me with all good things. Thank You for pursuing me, even when I do not pursue You. Lord, You are so good to me. Thank You for your many blessings in my life. Amen.
May the Lord bless you today as you look to the Good Shepherd!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!