Thoughts on a Good Shepherd
The words of Psalm 23 remind us, “The Lord is my shepherd.” In times of uncertainty and anxiety, I find myself being held by these familiar words, which have brought hope not only to Christians, but to our Jewish siblings for thousands of years. God does not remain far off, but comes near and cares for us like a shepherd cares for their sheep.
A good shepherd knows their sheep. God knows you. As Jesus says in Luke 12, “even the hairs of your head are numbered.” God knows you from the hairs of your head to the tips of your toes. God knows your aches and pains. God knows your joys and sorrows. God cares deeply for who you are.
A good shepherd provides for their sheep. From the Psalm, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.” Scripture makes it clear that God wants all to have what they need for life: Food to eat. Clothes to wear. Water to drink. Communities to share love. Each time the Lord’s Prayer is prayed, we ask for this: “Give us this day our daily bread.” In response to this, Martin Luther wrote: “In fact, God gives us daily bread without our prayer, even to all evil people, but we ask in this prayer that God cause us to recognize what our daily bread is and to revive it with thanksgiving. These days, my prayer has often been, “Give us what we need for this day.” May God you what you need.
A good shepherd searches for those who are lost and rejoices when they are found, as Luke 15 reminds us. Remember nothing can separate you from God’s love in Christ Jesus. Nothing you have done or left undone is to much for God’s love to overcome. God’s grace is big enough to reach out to you. If you feel lost, lonely, helpless, or neglected, God’s love meets you there.
Perhaps amidst uncertainty and anxious times, we want to join me in reflecting on the words of Psalm 23. When you hear a noise story that stirs fear in you, open your Bible, read the Psalm. When you face a conversation that makes you uneasy, repeat the words to yourself, “The Lord is my shepherd.” When you face trials, remain steadfast in prayer, looking to the one who promises to lead you through the valley of the shadow of death.
May these words from a hymn by Dorothy Thrupp be a blessing to you as they have been to me: “Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. In your pleasant pastures feed us, for our use your fold prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us; we are yours.” By Pastor Emmy Swedlund
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City