My Good Shepherd

“Where Christ reveals himself there is satisfaction in the slenderest portion, and without Christ there is emptiness in the greatest fullness.” ~ Alexander Grosse

The summer after my broken engagement, I was still very much reeling in pain. I felt ashamed, confused, lost, hurt, and wondering when or if I would ever receive the desires of my heart – marriage and a family. As I sat at a table full of women while attending a weekend spiritual conference, I listened to the special speaker, hungry for any nugget of wisdom or truth that might be a healing balm to my wounded soul.

The woman behind the microphone was sharing about Psalm 23. She caught my attention when she said that she often asked God this one question based on Psalm 23:1 which says, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Her simple question in response to that verse was, “Lord, who are you to me right now because I do not want?”

Whoa. That was a bit mind boggling to me at that moment. I just wanted to be out of my pain. I certainly did WANT something. This question challenged me and stretched me.

Then she asked each of us to close our eyes and ask God that very same question. I decided it certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask. When I did, the picture that came to my mind moved me to tears. I saw Jesus as a Shepherd, and I was a sheep. Jesus was holding me firmly in His arms, carrying me close to His heart. I wasn’t putting any effort forth. I was just resting, receiving love and allowing Him to carry me. It was a picture of hope, healing, and comfort. It was exactly what I wanted – and I found it in Jesus. That was the beginning of many months of deep healing in my heart.

What I didn’t realize when this question was presented to me is this truth: because I belong to Jesus, I am never left wanting. He ALWAYS has exactly what I need. And because He’s my Good Shepherd, He’s going to give it to me. Sometimes, I just need to shift my gaze from my pain to His loving action toward me so I can clearly see what He’s already doing.

Since then, I’ve made it a habit to ask Him this question. Once I saw Him picking fleas, parasites, and other pests out of my fleece (again, I was a sheep in the image I saw in my mind). That was a season that God was removing dead things or unhelpful things from my heart. He was lovingly eliminating anything that was holding me back from experiencing life fully and assuring me that as life happens, it’s natural to come in contact with pests. Surrender to the removal of those pests was exactly what I wanted and needed, although it certainly wasn’t as enjoyable as being held close and carried. However, it was necessary and good. You see, in order for sheep to be able to rest, they must be free from hunger, fear, friction/tension with others, and flies, parasites, and pests (sin or wrongful ways). Likewise, we must be free from these same things in order to rest. The truth is that every action He takes toward us is for our good – even if it doesn’t feel comfortable.

Sometimes He lovingly takes His staff and pulls us close to keep us from harm or He might take His rod and nudge us back on the right path. Whatever His actions are, we can count on Him to be our faithful caretaker that never leaves us wanting. So my question for you today is this, who is God for you right now because you do not want? Maybe you’re like me when I first heard this question and you really do WANT something. Companionship. Love. Hope. Healing. Courage. Clarity. Fill in the blank. These are all very good things that our Good Shepherd can provide. I encourage you to take a few minutes to ask Him Who He is for you right now and wait on Him to show you. My prayer is that as you ask, the Lord will give you ears to hear and eyes to see the beauty of who He is for you today.

As you take this question to our Good Shepherd, I’ll leave you with a little something to chew on – a paraphrase of Psalm 23 in my own words. May it encourage you and strengthen you on your own journey, whether you’re experiencing a deep dark valley or a lovely resting place next to quiet waters.

The Lord is my watchful, protecting caretaker.
Because I belong to Him, I’m never left wanting.
He provides a resting place for me in pleasant settings.
He guides me along a peaceful oasis of quiet waters.
This is where He revives my life;
Making a way for me to follow His pathway of righteousness.

Even when I walk through the deepest darkest valley
Your fierce protecting love and steadfast Presence
delivers me from any fear of danger.
Your authority assures me that I will
remain safely on your good path for me.
The comfort of your love steadies me and ushers in peace.
It is not too difficult for you to make ready a feast for me
in the wilderness amongst my enemies.
Their attempt to fight me is pointless because
You are my strength and my greatest Defender.
You anoint me with oil, empowering me to live a life of health.

Every action you take toward me is for my good and for your glory.
The fullness of who You are flows into me
and out over the top into every area of my life.
Your goodness and loving-kindness will be
my steady companions throughout my entire life.
Then, when I cross the finish line and fulfill my purpose on this earth,
I’ll get to dwell in your glorious Presence in heaven, forever. Amen.

Do you have a friend who would be encouraged that Jesus always has exactly what they need? If so, consider sharing this blog with them today.