But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you: (Matthew 6:33).

DAILY DEVOTION, April 7, 2022

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).

The 23^rd Psalm is a favorite. It begins with two affirmations. First, the Lord is my shepherd. Second, I shall not want. As Christians, we read these words with the understanding that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We must first ask this question: Is the Lord my shepherd? If that is true, you live life with your eyes on Him, following His lead. Sheep follow their shepherd. Christians follow the Good Shepherd. Am I honestly seeking to follow Jesus? Are you?

Those who follow the Lord lack nothing. They are content. Whether rich or poor, sick or healthy – – no matter our human condition, we lack nothing. If we have Jesus, we have all we need. Even if we are struck with extreme hardship as was Job in the Old Testament, we join with him and declare, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Those who can declare, “The Lord is my shepherd” may suffer all kinds of hardships in this life. Nevertheless, they have Jesus, so they declare, “I lack nothing.” Those who trust and follow the Good Shepherd will find themselves in green pastures.

Thank You, Father, for this reminder that as I follow Your Son, He desires only to bless me and carry me through the hard times. Even when our earthly pastures seem bleak and barren, we know that, in the end, green pastures await us. I praise You, Lord Jesus, my Shepherd, Amen.