Jehovah Rohi

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (nkjv)

King David understood a shepherd’s life. As the youngest child in his family, David shepherded his father’s flock, a job neither honorable nor noble. In fact, this was a despised profession during David’s day. So why would the man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14) describe the Lord as the Lord my Shepherd (Jehovah Rohi)? Let’s look at the heart of a shepherd.

First, a shepherd provides for his flock. Sheep simply cannot take care of their own needs. They require a shepherd to provide food, water, and shelter. Without this care, the sheep would perish. Doesn’t our Lord do the same for us? I remember so well our days of struggle in seminary. We lived from paycheck to paycheck, barely able to meet our expenses. When our daughter, Courtney, was two years old, we took her to the doctor with severe ear infections. We didn’t have the money to pay the doctor or buy the antibiotics, but wrote a check and prayed that God would provide. When we got home that afternoon, there was a check in our mailbox from dear friends for the exact amount of the check we had written. Our God provided!

Second, a shepherd guides. Sheep have no sense of direction and would wander aimlessly without a shepherd to direct their path. How many times has God directed our path? When my husband, Mac, and I have an important decision to make, we turn to our great Shepherd for guidance and He always answers.

Third, a shepherd protects. As a shepherd, David fought lions and bears to protect the sheep in his care. Our Lord offers His sheep protection. In the midst of life’s greatest battles, we can claim His promise, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and they are safe” (Proverbs 18:10, nkjv).

Precious Lord, You are my Shepherd and I am Your sheep. I pray You will guide and direct me today. Above all the chatter of my cluttered life, please let me tune my spiritual ears to hear Your voice. In all the busyness of my day, help me to follow Your leading. Thank You, dear Shepherd, for providing for my needs today, for guiding my steps, and for protecting my family. I love You, Jehovah Rohi, my Shepherd. Amen.