The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

Overwhelming Blessings 

By James Morris 

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 

“Please, Dad, can I have this? Can I have this?” my son asked me over and over. “If you get it for me, I won’t ever ask for anything again!” I made sure I captured him saying that on my phone for solid evidence in the future. I knew he’d ask for something again, but I wanted to teach him how to be content with what he has. 

What makes us—even as adults— want something so badly? Is it because we feel that something we’re desiring is somehow better than what we already have? In Psalm 23, David provides us with a different perspective. He begins the Psalm with: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” And he ends with: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 

There is nothing better than having a Good Shepherd who invites us to dwell in His house forever. All we have to do is put our trust in Him. We may face difficult days here on earth, but our souls are eternal. When we shift our perspectives from the earthly to the eternal, we can rejoice in the opportunity to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and ever, and ever! Now that is a blessing beyond compare! 

For years my family raised sheep, and I was their shepherd. Their lives were practically stress-free. I made sure they always had plenty of food and water, and all they had to do was avoid eating the flowers my wife, Bridgette, had grown. I took care of all their needs. 

In the same way, if we live a life of obedience to the Lord, He takes care of all our needs. But we so often find ourselves believing there is something better than what has been set before us. However, the ultimate blessing in life is having a relationship with Jesus, our loving Shepherd who takes care of us. The profound truth is we serve the only true God, and there will never be anyone or anything better! 

When I was growing up, my dad would always say, “James, I love you with all my heart, forever and always, no matter what.” And today I want to remind you that God is saying the same thing to you—every day! He loves you unconditionally and for all time. Nothing can separate you from God’s love for you (Romans 8:38–39). It is truly an overwhelming blessing to rest in the unchangeable truth that our heavenly Father feels this way toward us. There is no blessing more significant than knowing the Lord is our Shepherd, and we will dwell in His house forever. And because of this truth, we will not want. Nothing compares to being with Him; it is the ultimate blessing! 

PRAYER 

Lord, thank You for being my Good Shepherd. I pray You will lead me and guide me into all You have for me. Help me hear Your voice and be obedient to Your will. Thank You for giving me the gift of eternity with You. Help me see all the ways You have provided and cared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• List some ways God has blessed you, and then start thanking God for each of the blessings.   
• Ask God how you can spread the blessings He has given you to others around you.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Psalm 23:5