The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

God, Our Defender 

By Bridgette Morris 

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:6–8 

Imagine this: Two little kids are sitting on the floor happily playing together when suddenly one kid takes the toy the other is playing with, sticks out their tongue, and says, “Nah nah.” The kid who has been stolen from starts crying and then quickly punches the other kid in the face. Now both kids are screaming, neither one happy anymore. 

Do you have a memory like this from your childhood, or was this just a six-year-old Bridgette thing? In more recent years, maybe you’ve experienced similar scenes with your own children and found yourself responding the same way my parents did: “Next time, come tell me instead of taking things into your own hands. I could have handled this, but now you’re both in trouble.” Surely this is a typical human response, right? You hurt me; I hurt you. You mistreat me; I mistreat you—an eye for an eye. 

Have you ever felt cheated, mistreated, wrongfully disqualified, misrepresented, or unheard? In those moments, the lives we’ve built (and our futures) can seem in jeopardy. A fear of lack can cause us to do whatever it takes to defend our feelings, reputations, or investments—even at the expense of others. 

We naturally have the desire to regain what was taken from us, but Psalm 23 lets us know that all we need can be found in Jesus; we lack nothing. Just like a shepherd uses a rod and staff to protect and guide his sheep, the Lord defends, comforts, and guides us with His rod and staff. And because He is always with us, we don’t need to fear our enemies or the future. We can trust every situation we face is in God’s hands because no matter what our enemies do to attack us, God overrides those actions with His goodness and mercy, and we have the ultimate eternal victory. 

The hurts and offenses I experienced as a kid, no matter how minor, felt so drastic that I needed to right the wrongs immediately. But in the grand scheme of things, I don’t even remember what my siblings and I were fighting about. 

Maybe today you’re experiencing a relationship that failed and is now tainting your reputation. Or perhaps you’re dealing with a business transaction that’s gone wrong and is causing you financial loss. Whatever you’re facing today, it’s probably much more significant than someone taking your favorite toy. 

We’ve all had moments when the world has told us to defend ourselves or right the wrong. But when we first take it to our heavenly Father, we can rest in knowing He will take care of it, but in His timing and in His way. And who knows, maybe He will show you a creative way to make things right while sharing His love with the person who offended you. Or perhaps He will ask you to trust Him to resolve things with His hands and not yours—to forgive the person who hurt you and move on. 

Remembering that God is our Defender and that this life is just a moment in time can help change our perspective on what we deem punch-in-the-face worthy. And when we feel the need to defend ourselves rising up, David’s words give us strength: “He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” 

PRAYER 

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd and Defender. Holy Spirit, reveal to me any areas where I need to forgive someone, and heal me of any resentment I may be carrying for that person. I trust You and believe You are working all things out for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• Ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you are holding a grudge, plotting revenge, or believing a lie that you are suffering from lack by the hand of another.   
• Decide to put your trust in the Lord as your Defender and Shepherd. Trust that He will heal the wounded areas in your life and lead you to a place of freedom and abundance.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4