By: Casey Zachary

Listen to Psalm 23 read in Kreyol

This is part 2. Read my initial thoughts on Psalm 23

It is also important to remember that we are not the “shepherd” or “host” of ourselves. Surely it is heightened in our culture, but the desire to run our lives as we please is a negative quality of our fallen human nature. Typically, we only turn to the true Shepherd or Host when we are in a heap of trouble. Although we learn God labors on our behalf when we are near the valley of the shadow of death and in the presence of our enemies, it is also important to note God is working in our lives, even when it seems eventless. So often we beseech God to do or be something to us, when we would be more comforted if we simply relaxed and considered what he already does and is in our lives. Essentially, it is the difference between whining in prayer and being thankful in prayer. We can pray passionately or plainly, but what is of importance is our authenticity in prayer.

This psalm should not only elicit hope from us because of God’s power but should also cause us to reflect on his goodness to us, cultivating an attitude of gratefulness.

We should be thankful we have such a benevolent and diligent Shepherd.

Worry grips the heart of so many today. People are anxious they are missing opportunities or have failed at others. Many of us seem to be worked up to the point that it typically leads to being consumed with ourselves. We over think and overanalyze what God’s perfect will for our life is to the minute detail. Too often this paralyzes us with fear. Too often this causes us to bury our talents, like the foolish servant in the parable of Jesus.

We become our own shepherds. It is foolish to think of a sheep trying to find its own food and water in order to impress its shepherd, and likely, many of our efforts in life are equally silly. There is not much expected of a sheep. There is not much expected of a hostee. The sheep and the hostee need a shepherd and a host precisely because they are not able to get along adequately by themselves.

Likewise, we must trust God to put us in the right place at the right time. He is a good Shepherd. He is a good host. Whether he cares for us how we want him to is not the issue. The fact that he cares for us in the way we need to be cared for is the issue. The shepherd values the sheep and has its best interest in mind. The host values the hostee and has his/ her best interest in mind. We can be confident as children of God, that God values us and has our best interest in mind in the way he protects, provides, and leads us.