Praise For Israel’s Shepherd

The LORD gives his people strength.

He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

Save your people!

Bless Israel, your special possession.

Lead them like a shepherd,

and carry them in your arms forever.

Psalm 28:8-9

In David’s time, safety from surrounding enemies was critical for the survival of the nation of Israel. If God didn’t provide a safe fortress, his people would be overrun. David trusted God to give him—the anointed king—protection and salvation from his enemies.

This psalm also looks forward to the coming of God’s Anointed King, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would one day save his people and protect them and lead them like a shepherd. When Jesus came, he said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. . . . I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). In your prayer time today, thank God that he is “a safe fortress” and “a shepherd” for his people, providing protection and guidance to those who put their trust in him.

• Dear Lord, thank you for saving and guiding your people . . .