Week 29: Psalm 13
Psalm 23
“No, I can do it by myself, because I'm strong!” I hear this phrase (or something like it) from either or both of my children multiple times throughout the day. As their mom, I look at them and think, “Yes, you're strong and capable in some ways, but in so many ways–you still need me. Let me help you.”
Over the last year or so, I have been captivated by the names of God. I learned that the eight Jehovah names of God given to us in the Old Testament are all fulfilled in the New Testament by the eight “I am” statements of Jesus. What a priceless gift! When Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd,” He was referring to Himself as Jehovah Rohi. In the New Living Translation of Psalm 23:1, David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Other versions say:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (NIV)
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.” (AMPC)
Do you know much about sheep? Many people have heard that sheep are quite unintelligent. However, “contrary to popular misconception, sheep are extremely intelligent animals capable of problem solving.” They have also “been shown to display emotions.”
You may have learned that sheep are dumb, and when we are compared to sheep in Scripture, it is because we are dumb and helpless without a shepherd. But may I posit a different theory to you? Perhaps Scripture makes the comparison to show us that no matter how smart and capable we think we are, we still have limited knowledge in comparison to our limitless God. Consider the following:
Shepherding does not change much in Palestine where wild beasts may descend still upon unprotected sheep and suddenly destroy them. The Palestine shepherd lives night and day with his animals. He establishes a degree of intimacy with them that is touching to observe. He calls them all by their names and they, knowing his voice and hearing his only, heed. He protects the sheep from thieves and preying animals who would devour them at night, by sleeping in the opening of the often makeshift sheepfold, and they, sensing his watchfulness, fear 'no evil.' He provides pasture and water even in the wilderness and the presence of enemies, and they, casting all their anxiety upon him, are fed. There is a singular communion between the shepherd and his sheep which, after one has visited Palestine and observed it, makes the symbol of the good Shepherd peculiarly apt and the Twenty-third Psalm strangely moving.
What a beautiful word picture of the tenderness of God. No matter how smart we think we are—we still need the protection of our loving Good Shepherd. As we walk through difficulties in our lives, we are reminded of the need for our dependence on Him and not ourselves. He will carry us and lead us. We are wise to heed His voice alone.
Our Good Shepherd is not with us just to point out when we're wrong in order to prove Himself right. His goal is for us to know His voice above all others and to trust Him in all things as our source of life and goodness. May we be teachable enough to do so.
-Jessica