Songs of the Soul: A Lent DevotionalSample

This is probably one of the most well-known and frequently read Psalms. But as I read it again, something different catches my attention: “The LORD is my shepherd”. The psalmist is not just referring to a collective or corporate perspective of the LORD’s provision to all, but there is a personal touch to it: the LORD cares for my needs, my safety, my directions.

A lot of us are often taught not to be too “individualistic” and that our prayer should not be always about “me, me, me”; but when we over-correct ourselves, we forget that the LORD does care about every individual’s thoughts and feelings; nothing is too big for Him, and nothing is too small for Him.

The same also applies to how we look at Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross. Yes, He died for all our sins. Yes, He loves us all. But let’s not forget that Jesus’ Death and Resurrection are also for each and every one of us. He loves me. He died for me. His Resurrection and the Promise of His Second Coming provide an Everlasting Hope for me. He longs to reconcile me with God the Father. He longs to have a personal relationship with me.

This personal relationship is like the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd. He provides, just as how a shepherd brings his sheep to green pastures and still waters for food, drink, and rest. He guides, just as how a shepherd leads his sheep along the right path that goes to the right destination. He protects, just as how a shepherd uses his rod to club down wild animals and his staff to keep his sheep in safe space. This is further elaborated in John 10 where Jesus said that the sheep hear and know the shepherd’s voice, and the shepherd calls his own sheep by name (John 10:3). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will even lay down His Life for His sheep (John 10:11).

Let’s hold onto the Goodness of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and what He has done for you. He provides, He guides, He protects. He laid down His Life for you so you can have an Everlasting Hope to be reconciled to God the Father.

Carrie Lo
Young Adult Ministry

Prayer:
Praise Jesus Christ for being my Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects. Thank You Jesus Christ for leading me to green pastures and still waters, and for laying down Your life for me.