Psalm 23 - The Shepherd With Meናሙና

I saved you a seat at my table because I want to start with a fun question. What animal would you choose to be and which one are you most like? 

I’ve done some thinking about this. If I could be any animal, I would be an elephant. Why? Well, they have really big brains and never forget anything. They are loyal to their herds. They like to play. They are gentle but can take care of themselves. And, most important, being all leathery and wrinkled and gaining weight are just no big deal! 

But the animal I am most like? I wouldn’t have answered this way before I studied Psalm 23, but now I know. I am most like a sheep. You are too. We have a lot in common with those woolly creatures. See if you agree. 

Sheep go astray.  It’s our nature to wander off but no matter how far you’ve strayed, your Shepherd says to you what He said to Israel. Read Deuteronomy 30:3-10. Notice how many times God uses words such as "bring back" or "restore". My friend, you are the sheep of His Hand and your Shepherd will always restore you and return you to His Side. 

Sheep need guidance. We need God to be our GPS in this life. Ask your Shepherd for guidance just like the psalmists did. Pray Psalm 25:4-5 and Psalm 143:8-10. Your Shepherd will always lovingly lead you. 

Sheep are vulnerable. We all have times we feel unsafe and need protection, Read Psalm 71 to be reassured that your Shepherd has your back—because He does and always will. 

Sheep are valuable. We can feel overlooked or undervalued, but that’s not how your Shepherd sees you. Read Psalm 139 to refresh your view of you. 

Do any of those qualities of sheep feel familiar to you? It could be my own résumé. I easily stray from the grace of the Lord and try to do things on my own. I’m desperate for guidance. Without God’s Word and His people, I can easily start to think I know the way, the only way—my way, the best way! I am far more emotionally vulnerable than I want to admit, and I’m still learning that I really am valuable to God. I am so like a sheep, as are you. 

OK, what do you think? What animal are you most like? Do sheep now rank right up there at the top of your list?