"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want"
Psalm 23:1

Greetings from April, to my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is a wealth of encouragement and promise from the first five words of this verse, which is our focus for today.

The LORD is... this is THE LORD, YHWH (Jehovah) the self-existent One, who is being written about.  It is He who is MY shepherd.  This simple word (my) takes the awesome Creator of the universe out of the cosmos and sits Him by our side, because that is where He is (see Psalm 37:23-24), in order that we may have a relationship with Him.

The following are some of the characteristics of a good shepherd:

- he is personal and speaks uniquely to his sheep
- mingles amongst the flock, wanting to be close to them
- provides for them all their needs
- guides and directs their path
- protects them from harm
- comforts them
- tends to their wounds, causing healing (for us healing can be spiritual, emotional, mental or physical)
- will even jeopardize his own life for there safety

Jesus said, "I am the good Shepherd.  The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." (John 10:11).  He is the LORD, who is (put your name here) Shepherd.  We have His promise in the first five words of this Psalm.  Cling to this promise and join me as I stand in awe of His great love for us.  To Him be all the glory.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your faithfulness to speak to us uniquely, fellowship with us, provide for our needs, guide and direct our paths, protect us from the enemy, comfort us in times of distress, and for tending to our wounds.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You not only do the same but that You laid down Your very life that we might live a life reconciled to the Father, through Your shed blood.  Thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping us to learn that which the Father desires us to know about Him, His faithfulness and truth.  Be magnified in our lives today, Lord.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Have a joyous day in our Lord!
April

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Encouragement From The Heart Website updated March 17, 2000 (note: web address changed).
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