The Lord Is My Shepherd: Finding Sufficiency, Rest, and Courage

Summary

Feelings of inadequacy are overcome by trusting the LORD’s complete sufficiency. As our Shepherd, He provides rest, renewal, guidance, protection, and abundance. Following Him requires daily choice, not self-rule. Even in dark valleys, God shapes Christlike character and offers comfort and defense. He sustains us in the presence of enemies and promises eternal life in His house for all who depend on Him.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Most of us battle feelings of inadequacy. The LORD’s total sufficiency is the solution. It is our choice. It is not automatic. If I choose to say the Lord is my Shepherd, He takes responsibility for me.

 

Why Sheep Need a Shepherd

Like sheep, we need close supervision and guidance. When the LORD is our Shepherd, we lack nothing.

Rest and Renewal for the Soul

The LORD can meet all our needs. He can supply a healthy balance of activity and inactivity (Psalm 23:2). Too much or too little rest is harmful. As furlough revitalizes missionaries, rest recharges our spiritual batteries for future battles.

I have heard it said, “I’d rather burn out in the LORD’s service than rust out.” But out is out, whatever the reason.

The LORD can refresh every dimension of who we are (Psalm 23:3). In the early 1980s, I felt inadequate as a pastor. My self-talk about my ability to cope was consistently negative.

Believing God's promises in Ephesians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 9:8, and Philippians 4:13 rescued me from paralyzing feelings of weakness and hopelessness.

Guided on the Right Paths for God’s Glory

The LORD can guide us in broad, right paths for His name’s sake. He can provide the needed wisdom to discern the right path, the strength to walk in it, and the watchfulness to remain in it.

We must continually choose to follow Him (Ephesians 4:1). It is like following another driver to a destination only that driver knows. Following the LORD advances His kingdom and glorifies His name.

Fearless in Dark Valleys

The LORD can free us from fear (Psalm 23:4). He can be our defense.

We can confidently turn to Him for protection and help when valleys of deep darkness surround us. Inevitably, they will.

They come because God’s highest priority is making us like Jesus (Romans 8:29). They come because our enemy tempts us to leave the right paths.

In those valleys, we take the biggest steps toward Christlikeness. There the LORD consoles us. There, He deals with evil forces or persons who assail us.

There, He directs and disciplines us (Hebrews 12:6) and turns our wounds into pearls that can bless others.

Abundant Life Now and Forever

The LORD can abundantly sustain us despite our having enemies. He can honor and bless us with abundance. Our cup can overflow with full joy and abundance (Psalm 23:5).

We can dwell forever in the LORD’s house (Psalm 23:6). We will experience unimaginable abundance, life, light, rejoicing, praise, and worship in the LORD's presence.

The LORD designed people to depend on Him. Trying to live independently of Him brings consistent chaos to our lives.

Attempting to be king of our lives causes many miseries, disappointments, and failures. Wise sheep still follow their Shepherd!

Photo: Image Creator (microsoft.com)