Abide, Adore, Ask and Agree: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting With Rock City ChurchSample

DAY 8

Psalm 23, perhaps the most popular of the 150 psalms in the Bible, reveals the first name of God we will study this week: Jehovah-Rohi, meaning “The Lord My Shepherd.” Remember, to adore God is to give Him praise for who He is. So why do we praise the Lord our Shepherd? We can answer this by considering sheep.

One thing true of sheep is they are followers. If you’ve ever watched a herd of sheep move, it starts with just one, and the rest follow rather blindly. To ensure the place they are moving toward is good for them, they need a shepherd. Shepherds take time to look ahead, find a suitable pasture, and then guide the sheep.

Like sheep, people tend to have a herd mentality. Rather than thinking for ourselves, we often follow the movement of the masses. And it doesn’t take much convincing to see the masses rarely find good pasture. The inclination of the human heart is bent towards sin. All it takes is one person to suggest doing something foolish; before we know it, we’re all making regrettable choices.

The solution to this madness is a good shepherd. We need Jesus! Scripture makes it clear the Good Shepherd takes us to green pastures, restores our souls, protects and comforts us in the presence of our enemies, and provides for us.

REFLECTION

1. Are the people you’re surrounding yourself with helping you or hurting you?

2. God will often guide us through the influence of other Christians in our lives. What intentional step could you commit to take this year to deepen your church community (i.e. joining a small group, joining a volunteer team, serving your city)?

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for the Lord’s guidance.