Animals

Animals

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23, NKJV

One time a little boy was heard misquoting this verse. He said, “The Lord is my shepherd—what more shall I want?” He had the right idea.

The animal most frequently mentioned in the Bible is a sheep. Sheep are basically helpless creatures that depend on their shepherds for food, rest, and protection. Although they are kept in flocks, some sheep have a tendency to wander off and get into trouble. As much as we do not like to admit it, human beings are a lot like sheep. We are stubborn, we tend to follow the crowd, we are fearful, and we sometimes get into things that we shouldn’t. Like sheep, we need someone to follow—someone who cares for us and wants to protect us.

It is interesting that the meaning or significance of all seven of the Old Testament names for God is seen in Psalm 23: The Lord will provide. The Lord will heal or restore. The Lord our peace. The Lord our righteousness. The Lord is there. The Lord our banner. The Lord my shepherd.

On days when we feel the strain of our family’s financial pressures, we can thank God that he is the Lord who provides. When we feel tension or conflict in a family relationship, we can thank him that he is the Lord our peace. At times when we feel confused and uncertain, we can thank God that he is our shepherd. Not only is he the God who knows me, but he is the God who provides everything I need.

Great Shepherd,

Thank you that you see all our needs and that you provide for us. May we run to you first whenever we feel needy. Amen.