Daily Devotion - Monday, May 23

Reflections on Psalm 23

Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance, they need to be watched and protected and encouraged. No one knows this better than a sheepherder. Psalm 23 starts with the writer confessing the needs of his soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”

Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep in the barren, rocky and dry countryside of Biblical times. It wouldn’t take long for grasslands to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of a shepherd was a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water could nurture his animals. It was probably quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”

As we begin a new week I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied. May you be blessed with the ability to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you.

A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, ‘ask and it will be given you.’ So I come and ask. Amen.”

--Ben Keckler
05.23.11