I’ve been a disciple of Jesus Christ for over 50 years now. I became a Christian in my early teen years. I was thinking through whether all the stuff I had heard as a boy in Sunday school was true or not. I looked into it, and though I didn’t understand everything, there was enough evidence that it was true. When I have doubts even today, it is the truth of these events —Jesus really did live, die, and rise from death— that keeps my belief solid.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)
From that time, Jesus has been my shepherd. Life has been, is, and will be, very good. There is nothing better than being on the same side as the God of the universe, and knowing that he loves me so much he died for me. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to pay for all the bad stuff I’ve done, and continue to do, because Jesus has paid it for me.
I need a shepherd. Someone I can trust. Someone to obey.
A shepherd guards —he keeps me safe from the evil one. Even though I’ve been through some difficult things in life —sickness, financial pain, people who treat me bad— just the normal stuff we all have to face, I have a shepherd looking after me. I’ve got nothing to fear because he is with me, even when the time comes to walk through the dark valley of death.
A shepherd guides —he keeps me on a good path. Often I want to go my way, but that is not always what is best for me. I think I can figure it out all by myself, but I can’t. His rod and staff nudge me back onto the right path, back to still waters.
A shepherd provides —I don’t want for anything. I have everything I need, and far more than that. My cup truly overflows. While I’m not particularly wealthy by Australian standards, my shepherd provides all I need.
As I start to move towards old age, it is great to know that God’s goodness and mercy will be with me all the days of my life. And after that, I’ll be in his house forever.