The LORD of Psalm 23 is the great “I am” (Yahweh)!  The “I am” is always in the present!  The LORD who made the universe and everyone in it is a personal God, that is why He came in the flesh, God incarnate - Jesus!

Advent is a time to celebrate and a time to prepare.  As Christ followers we celebrate the first coming of Christ and we prepare for His coming again!  Yes, Jesus came and is coming again!  How do I know? - His written word declares it!

But in the meantime, I am trusting Him as “my” shepherd!

The LORD is “my” shepherd therefore I’m learning to be content.  As “my” shepherd He “leads me to green pastures and beside still waters” so that my soul will be restored.  As “my” shepherd He leads me to a right way to live (righteousness), if I will only listen to His voice and follow Him - if He is truly “my” shepherd, I will!  As “my” shepherd, though I may “walk beside the valley of the shadow of death” I have nothing to fear because He is with me from the cradle to the grave and all in between.  Though I have enemies and an enemy of my soul, as “my” shepherd He has given me His Holy Spirit so that I might experience joy to overflowing and experience true peace, peace that surpasses all understanding.  As “my” shepherd I can recognize His goodness and mercy to me as I journey through this life with all its valleys and mountains.  And when this life ends as I know it, because He is “my” shepherd in this life, I have the promise of eternal life and a place in His eternal home - because He promises as “my” shepherd. 

“Covenant LORD, the great ‘I am’ help me to see you as ‘my’ shepherd.”

“Help me Jesus to hear your voice among all the noice of this life and to truly follow you!  May I truly experience ‘The LORD as my shepherd!’”

Do you know the LORD of psalm 23?  Is He “your” shepherd?!

Pastor Rodney