When fear regarding the cares of this world sets in, we must remember God’s promise to care for us. ~ Elizabeth George
Do you get afraid? Or lonely? Or intimidated? Or uncertain? Yeah, me too. I find myself wandering through life wondering if I’ll ever be enough, have enough, do enough. Some days I look at all the things I’ve done – from dishes to laundry to car pool to blog posts – and I think, “I’ll have to do every single one of those things again tomorrow.” And I wonder, “Does it matter?” But really, deep inside, I’m really asking God, “Do I matter?”
Maybe you can relate. I imagine at some level we all have known that feeling. We may know in our heads that we have a God who sees us (El Roi) but we feel in our hearts that we remain unseen. We know in our heads that our God provides (Jehovah Jireh) but we look around and feel so very needy. We know in our heads that God is there (Jehovah Shammah) but we still feel so very alone.
The Lord is my shepherd.
Psalm 23:1
These words have brought comfort to mourning families for centuries … but they offer us hope and truth as well. These five words, “The Lord is my shepherd,” come from two Hebrew words: Jehovah Rohi.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and I am known by My own” (John 10:14).
Jesus, our shepherd, is Jehovah Rohi, our Lord.
- He feeds us … literally and spiritually.
- He leads us … through still waters and through dark valleys … but He is with us each step.
- He warns us … by His rod and staff we are guided and disciplined … because we are loved.
Today, will you slow down and read Psalm 23? Cherish the promises of care and protection, provision and love, so freely offered to us. What a great gift we have been given … to know Jehovah Rohi, the Lord is my shepherd.
How have you experienced the feeding, leading, and warning of the Lord in your life?
Kari Scare says
My favorite part of Psalm 23 is “my cup overflows.” He doesn’t just do the minimum. He always does more and better. That encourages and excites me.
Teri Lynne Underwood says
I love that phrase as well. Such a rich description of God’s abundance for us. Thank you for taking time to leave a comment today.
Tracy Selle says
Do you know what? I needed this today. I’m going to curl up in a chair and read Psalm 23 right now. Thank you!
Teri Lynne Underwood says
Oh Tracy, I love how God works … always meeting us just where we are with a word of encouragement. He is ever drawing us close to Him. Thank you for sharing with us today.
Lisa Clement says
These verses have sustained me through my life. To know he is always there and is my provider allows my worry to fad away. He allows his love, strength, and power to overflow into my life and through this I can do whatever comes my way. He is my shepherd, Shepherds guide their sheep down the path that leads them to the place where their needs are met and this is what God does for me every day. Thank you Jehovah Rohi
Teri Lynne Underwood says
“Shepherds guide their sheep down the path that leads them to the place where their needs are met.” Such a sweet truth.
Anusha says
I love the summary of psalms 23.explained so simply.God is amazing.he does the unexpected ,always guiding an leading us to his ways.Psalms 23 gives us hope going forward