But, I think one reason we can often struggle to describe God is because we allow our current circumstances to be our filter. It is human nature to see God through our current reality. When life is filled with disappointment, hardship, and fear, God may be viewed as wrathful, judgmental, and harsh. We could conclude that He doesn’t care and has simply checked out.
Time and again, I have to remind myself that I do not define an infinite God. I am not the center of the universe from which all things are determined. My temporary circumstances are a vapor and cannot effect the identify of an eternal Creator. So, where do we look? I mostly find my anchor in scripture. But, more specifically, scripture that defines the heart and nature of God as revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus.
In John 10, John records the words of Jesus as He declared Himself to be the Good Shepherd. This is one of my favorite “I am” statements. I’ve never personally met a shepherd, but in the context in which Jesus used this metaphor, it made perfect sense to those in the crowd around Him. Taking what I understand of the roles of shepherds, and more so from what we see in the life of Jesus, a “good” shepherd does three things:
- He nurtures
- He guides
- He protects
During this uncertain season we’ve found ourselves in, if someone were to ask us to fill in the blank for “The Lord is ____“, we may hear responses such as:
- “The Lord is angry.”
- “The Lord is disappointed.”
- “The Lord is punishing.”
- “The Lord is absent.”
However, the Lord is constant: He never changes. He transcends time. None of this is taking Him by surprise, and He is already on the other side of the coronavirus. So, what if we choose, at least for the next 14 days, to see our circumstances through the lens of a God who is our shepherd? A God who nurtures, guides, and protects? What impact could that have? How could this focus effect our anxieties and fears?
One last point I’d like to share on this piece of our passage. David, the author of Psalm 23 and who was once a shepherd himself, began with “The Lord is my shepherd.” He didn’t say that the Lord is a shepherd or even that He is our shepherd. I believe David used the word “my” here for a reason. Our God is personal. How does the use of “my” affect the overall meaning of the verse for you?
I’d love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts below, or step back to Instagram or Facebook and comment there. Let’s thrive through this together!
I think this is why this Psalm is used for many funerals. Since God is so personal He offers comfort & solace to each of us in our own fears or needs.
I completely agree! I believe we’ll only understand that more and more fully as we continue through this passage together.
When I focus on God being “my” nurturer, guide, and protector it truly provides so much comfort and peace. No matter what is going on around me, or in/to me, He is with me, showing the way, providing exactly what I need.
Mindy, I couldn’t agree more! He is such a personal God and pursues a relationship with us. It feels so much more intimate when we refer to Him as “my” shepherd.
Amy, thank you for sharing this, particularly in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic! God is for us/me!!
Amen, friend! It’s the lens that we all need right now.
The use of the word âmyâ denotes a personal relationship David had with God! Our personal and intimate relationship with God is vital to building our faith and decreasing our fears. For example we can say God is a healer. However, God became âmyâ healer after I was personally healed from Trigeminal neuralgia 10 years ago. After that personal encounter with my Lord and Savior, no one can tell me God isnât a healer.
Yes, Carla! We can understand with our mind that God is a healer, but it’s not until we have a personal encounter that we absorb and own this truth in our hearts. Beautiful! Thank you for being a living testimony!
As I read âThe Lord is my shepherdâ my thoughts too were that Jesus provides and protects, but the image that came to mind was that of his staff…that he does these things for me through proddings and nudgings. Sometimes a shepherd can gently prod his sheep (me!) and sometimes he has to be more urgent and a little more forceful in order to drive the herd into a place of safety and provision.
Hi Amanda! Sheep can be stubborn sometimes, right? Thank goodness we have a Shepherd who knows us and never gives up on us. I love your feedback! We’ll be talking more about this topic later in the passage for sure!
âThe Lord as MY Shepardâ to me shows the declaration of his personal relationship- so Thankful for scripture and eyes that have seen opened to see it
It’s crazy to think that the Creator of the universe desires a personal relationship with each of us…that He even humbles Himself to describe Himself as a shepherd- a position of lowly status. What an incredible God we have!
I think as an adult, a mother, a nurse, a business owner……I feel responsible for the well being of so many people. That has increased during this pandemic. This is a great reminder that God is MY shepherd, caring for me and guiding me.
Yes, what a great perspective. Because HE is our shepherd, we have the capacity to serve as shepherds to our loved ones.