The Lord Is My Shepherd


 "The Lord is my shepherd . . ."

How many of you, in simply reading those words, continued on with the remainder of Psalm 23? Many, I suspect - and quite a few of those spoke it in the language and meter of the King James Version, just as King David wrote it, some believe (tongue in cheek). 

Regardless how you hear it or speak them, those words in my heart are a profound statement of faith, a witness to where my soul sinks its deepest root. "The Lord is my shepherd . . ." unambiguously states that no one else is, which is critically important to remember in these days, especially as we enter Advent preparation.

"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." calls me to trust the Child more.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." invokes a spirit of patience in waiting for His arrival.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." beckons the timid of being to be strong in His care.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." provides rest in the nighttime of our restlessness.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." silences both religious and political party-line advocates.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." gives voice to Hope and purpose to Mercy.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." turns away the need for violence, while instilling Peace for today.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." invites attention to the Spoken and Lived Word among us.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." is an affirmation that no-one else and nothing else can save us.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." acknowledges the One who Understands beyond human comprehension.
"The Lord is my shepherd . . ." quiets my life as His Still Small Voice whispers Truth in Bethlehem.

"The Lord is my shepherd . . .", today and always.
Tell me, who is yours? And, why?
Something to ponder on the nearing Advent journey.
(c)dcw2023
Photograph (c)Ted Phillips 2023. Used with permission.

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