Life with the Shepherd

Using the most picturesque and expressive poetry, David describes in Psalm 23 not only the story of his life but the stories of countless others throughout the centuries who have experienced life with God as their Shepherd.

For me, like many of you, I can say that this is not only a psalm of David; it is a psalm of Dan. The words of Psalm 23 live in me. And I live in them. I’ve rested in green pastures, drank from clear, cool waters, and walked the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake — even when those paths on which He leads me, pass through the valley of the shadow of death.

And yes, I’ve feasted in the presence of my enemies. Not spitefully, but rejoicing in God’s protection and deliverance from those who would do me harm.

On more occasions than I care to remember, I’ve felt the crook of the Shepherd’s staff pulling me back from places He never called me to go, but that, in my pride and selfishness, I chose to wander.

But through it all, I have tasted what it is like to dwell, that is to really live and sprawl out, not as a guest, but as a member of the family, in the house or dwelling place of God.

So, like I say, this psalm lives in me, and I’m certain in many of you as well.

But the real question for all of us is — Will we live in it? Will we let our Lord be our shepherd? Will we allow Him to lead us through the pleasant pastures as well as the dark shadowy valleys of our lives? Most important, will we, here and now, in this life, learn to dwell in His presence as a son or daughter, comfortable in our own skin — real, genuine, and honest, no fig leaves covering our nakedness — as we bask in the glory and grace that is our God?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever. (Ps. 23:6, NKJV)

In Christ,

Dan

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