The Lord is My Shepherd

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Lord is My Shepherd

Date: Oct. 5, 2015

Passage

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)

A Psalm of David.

1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
  He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
  He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.
4   Even 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.
5   You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
  and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
    forever.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 23:1

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

First, I lack nothing (1-3). David was a king who shouldn't have lacked anything. But he acknowledged that the Lord was his shepherd. He was happy as the Lord's sheep. The Lord made him lie down in green pastures and led him to quiet waters (2). We, too, are the LORD's sheep. He alone can refresh our weary soul. When we have the Lord as our shepherd, we lack nothing. We are completely satisfied in the LORD our Shepherd.

Second, you are with me... (4-6a). From verse 4, David uses the personal pronoun "you". He was not afraid even in the darkest valley of his life, saying, "...for you are with me" (4b). David tasted that the Lord was his God. David was certain of the future because the Lord was with him. The Lord is with me even in the darkest valleys of my life. His rod (discipline) and his staff (guidance) are continually leading me to be a person of faith. Even when I go astray, the Lord will lead me back like a shepherd does a stray sheep. The LORD makes my cup overflow with blessings and joy. My real home is God's eternal house where I will dwell with Him forever (6). How blessed we are if we have the LORD as our Shepherd!

Prayer: Lord, I have gone astray so many times. Thank you for being my loving shepherd who guides me to green pastures and quiet waters. Help me follow you.

One Word: The Lord is my Shepherd

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references