The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

At the Mention of His Name(s) 

By Mark Harris 

Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12–13 (NLT) 

I’ve recently discovered just how wonderful it is to be a grandpa, or should I say, “Papa.” That’s the name my wife, Jodie, decided I should have as a grandpa. Our first and only grandchild (so far) was born in August of 2020. His name is Jude, and I absolutely love everything about this little man! In my opinion, he is perfect! I love calling his name, seeing his amazing smile, and watching him grow right before my eyes. I cannot wait for the day he calls me Papa! I have yet to hear him say that word, but it doesn’t keep me from constantly trying to pull it out of him. Whenever he does call me Papa, I’ll be sure to let the world know. It will absolutely be an epic moment! 

I can’t help but think God is similarly overjoyed when we call His name. Psalm 139:18 says His thoughts toward us outnumber the grains of sand. He loves us more than we could ever comprehend. I can just imagine Him smiling with delight when His children call out His name and turn their attention toward Him. 

God loves for us to call upon His name. Maybe that’s why He gave us so many names to call Him. Yes, He is the Great I AM, but He also gives us more specific names to call Him—names that reveal His majesty and let us know He is eternal, everlasting, the beginning and the end, Creator, Almighty, Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and Most High. He also gives us names that are deeply personal to let us know He is our Father, Shepherd, Provider, Healer, Shield, Refuge, Savior, and Deliverer. And that’s not an all-inclusive list! There are so many other names for God in the Bible that reveal God’s nature and heart toward us. 

We can trust our Good Shepherd will always lead us down the right path, as Psalm 23:3 assures us, but we have to willingly surrender to His lordship over our lives. Just like it’s difficult to guide a sheep that keeps wandering off and chasing whatever catches its attention, so it is when we choose to go our own way or seek to make our own name great instead of God’s. But when we submit to Him and seek to glorify Him in all we do, He is able to gently show us the way that’s best for us. Knowing that God leads us for His name’s sake is so comforting because it means He takes full responsibility for the direction of our lives. We just need to trust and obey Him. 

Today, wherever you are and whatever is going on in your life, God is waiting for you to call out His name. He is waiting for you to make a sound in His direction. We have His full attention, affection, and acceptance. Although He is all-sufficient in His nature, God is simply unwilling to live without us. What do you need Him to be for you in this moment as you call upon Him? 

PRAYER 

Almighty God, I call on Your name right now. I know You hear my voice as I cry out, and You see me right where I am. With all my heart, I believe You are the Great I AM—everything I need. Thank You for giving me more than I could ever deserve. Thank You for loving me and never withholding any of Your goodness from me. May I live each day in a way that brings glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• Call on the name(s) of God. What do you need in your life in this moment? If you need peace, pray to Jehovah Shalom (God Our Peace). If you need resources, pray to Jehovah Jireh (God Our Provider). Whatever you need, just call out to God. He is waiting for you to call on His name.   
• Linger in God’s presence. Once you have called on His name, stay in that place. Remember that He longs to be with you. Enjoy the fullness of His glory and presence.   
• Listen closely as God speaks. Zephaniah 3:17 says He rejoices over us with singing. Isaiah 43:1 says God has called us by name. Get quiet before the Lord and listen as He sings over you and calls you by name.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSES

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:2–3