Who Am Iናሙና

Sheep are community animals. They travel in herds, and they graze in groups. You don’t see a shepherd watching over just one sheep. Instead, there’s a smattering of sheep on a hillside. God compared us to sheep often in His Word, and I think one reason is to illustrate that community is important. But in Psalm 23, it’s different. The entire psalm is about God personally shepherding one: you. The Lord is your shepherd. The Lord refreshes your soul. He is with you. His rod and staff will comfort you. His goodness and love will follow you. You will dwell in God’s house forever. All of these reminders about community are good and beautiful, and beneficial, and necessary. But still, your shepherd sees you, His single sheep. You are not just one in the herd. You are uniquely you, and you’re seen by God as just that; you! So, pursue community, yes, but pursue God first. He’s the good Shepherd who loves you as though you were the only sheep in His care.

Today, thank God for the fact that He sees you for who you are. And more than that, He loves you individually. Then, extend that message to those in your close community, taking what God has reminded you of this week and sharing it with others.