The Lord Is Your Shepherd

Notice what a good shepherd does for his sheep: he lays them down in green pastures and leads them beside still waters. A sheep left alone would live in fear — it's a timid animal, always on alert for danger. But under a shepherd's care, it can do something fear would never allow: lie down and rest. So often you are that sheep on permanent alert, unable to relax because you feel you must watch for every danger yourself. This psalm reminds you of who is watching over you: the Lord is your shepherd. And where there is a shepherd, the sheep can rest, because the watching now belongs to him. 'I shall not want' — not because you'll have everything you desire, but because what you truly need, the Shepherd provides. He leads you to still waters, not turbulent ones; he knows the place of peace and brings you there, gently, without haste or force. Today, stop being the sheep that stands watch alone. You have a Shepherd. Lie down in his pastures. To rest is to trust that he is caring for the flock — and you are part of it.