As David, a shepherd, wrote the 23^rd Psalm, he with first hand knowledge spoke of the Good Shepherd.  The Bible often speaks of God as the Good Shepherd and we, who follow Him, as His sheep.  We may want to believe we are lions and lionesses; however, God sees us as helpless sheep in need of the Shepherd to protect and guide us.  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:1-2).  Why would God have to make us to lie down in green pastures?  Wouldn’t that be what we would want to do?  To be filled with the nourishing, lush word of God that helps us to grow.  To rest in His presence.  Imagine the scene.  Filled with all the nourishing grain, to then rest, digesting His word, unafraid or touched by the world around us.

Phillip Keller, also a shepherd, wrote a book titled, A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23.  In it he points out that for sheep to lie down, four requirements must be met.  They will not lie down unless they are free from fear, as they are very timid easily frightened creatures.  Because their only defense is to run from the enemy, they stand ready to bolt away.  Secondly, because of their social structure, when left alone they tend to set up an order in which the larger or older sheep seek dominance by butting or knocking down the weaker ones. The weaker ones then cannot rest.  (Sounds a little like us).  Thirdly, they cannot lie down or rest when being tortured by pests such as flies or parasites.  And fourth, they will not lie down when feeling hunger. When the hunger of our soul is not fed, we seek satisfaction elsewhere.

GREEN PASTURES

In the pastures surrounding Jerusalem, David knew very well that the shepherd must work diligently to provide green pastures.  As Keller points out, “Green pastures did not just happen by chance. Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use.  Green pastures were the result of clearing rough, rocky land;  tearing out brush and roots and stumps; of deep plowing and careful soil preparation; seeding and planting special grains and legumes; of irrigating with water and husbanding with care the crops of forage that would fed the flocks”[1]  Is that not what God does with our lives as well?  He clears the brush, plants and waters the seeds in our minds and hearts that we might find the rich, nourishing foliage in His word, where we can lie down to rest in His presence.

THE BULLY SHEEP

In Ezekiel 34, Israel was warned when those priests called to shepherd the flock took care of only themselves pushing aside and not allowing the flock to be nourished as God intended.  How often today, do we see the same!  Those who call themselves Christians placing stumbling blocks for other Christians.  Wanting to make themselves seem superior in their own eyes, they fail to teach the truth of the word or encourage other Christians to grow.  Instead of reaching out a helping hand, they condemn a fallen one, not realizing their own sin of pride.  We all stumble and fail God at times and it behooves us to humbly remember that it is grace alone that saved us. In that humility, we must reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ with a helping hand to guide them safely back to the green pasture.

God promised that even if our earthly shepherds fail, He will seek us out when we have wandered astray.  Then, He will judge the false shepherds who drove us away. (Ezekiel 34:10). “For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out…. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.  I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick” Ezekiel 34: 11,15-16).

FREE FROM PESTS

The shepherd must carefully tend to his sheep and keep the “pests” from penetrating and molesting the sheep.  God has provided every believer with the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide and to protect us from the pestering words of Satan which whispers in our hearts and minds.  We have the Comforter with us to remind us of the truth of the word.  He recalls in our hearts, scriptures, words and even songs to counterattack Satan’s lies. Ah, but so we may recall them, we do need to diligently seek His word, feast in worship of Him.  A children’s song comes to mind, be careful little ears what you hear and be careful little eyes what you see.

HUNGER

We hunger for love, contentment, and peace.  Yet, all too often we seek it where it cannot be found.  We chase after love, careers, and a name for ourselves; however, we search for it in a dry and barren land.  Jesus said: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).  Also, He said: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Maketh Me to Lie Down

Many times, in my life, God has placed me in situations where I am forced to lie down and rest.  Sometimes, I would be so busy with my own world and He would force me to slow down for a while to just rest in the green meadows of His word.

It was 2010, busy about my work and life, God had called me to write “A Broken and Contrite Heart.”  I really didn’t have the time to complete the task.  Suddenly, one day I went emergently to the hospital with a bowel obstruction.  Having had my colon removed years before and having had Breast Cancer, I was aware that this was very serious.  My small intestine was so damaged by the obstruction the physicians feared they might not recover.  Recover they did; but it took 2 months of my having to remain at the hospital and then home.  During the time in the hospital, I studied God’s word, prayed and listened to worship songs.  When I got home, I had my recliner moved over beside my computer, where I finished writing and editing the book.

God made me lie down in green pastures, where all I could do was grow in the word.  He removed all fear, though I faced a fearful situation; because, He was there present with me.  There was none who could condemn me; because, He had set me free.  Anyone who has read that book, A Broken and Contrite Heart, would see how a Gracious God had been faithful to this wandering sheep, even when she had failed Him.  He brought me back, mended the wounds and made me to lie down in green pastures.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

The Shepherd’s loving care can bring peace, hope, and quietness to our hearts.  We find the green pastures in His presence where He has prepared the fields to satisfy our hungering souls.  Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin, the pests and bullies must all flee in His presence.  There is no fear, for He is protecting us.  Therefore, we may lay down in the green pastures and rest where we grow in Him.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

CREDITS AND FOOTNOTES

[1] http://www.antipas.org/commentaries/articles/shepherd_psa23/shepherd_02.html

Photo by Xavier Teo on Unsplash

Of all the scriptures, apart from John 13, Psalm 23 is one of the most known and quoted. “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).  But what does “I shall not want” mean?  In Hebrew it reads, “Yahweh, my Shepherd, not shall I want.” However, is there ever a time we do not want something?  I want this or that to eat.  Or, I want a new car. Perhaps a new job, new clothes, more money, or to have salmon for dinner (when what we have is steak).  Wanting seems to be a constant in our humanity.  So, what could these words mean: “I shall not want.”  Is it a command or a promise? Maybe, it is both a promise and a command; because, the Lord is my Shepherd.

THE PROMISE: “I SHALL NOT WANT”

For all who have accepted the gift of salvation so freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and King; He is our good shepherd.  Therefore, like a good shepherd, He provides for each of His sheep.  He ascertains that we have that which we need.  As such, many translational versions such as The Living Bible or the NIV translate this verse to mean: “I lack for nothing.”  This is true, and it is the promise we are given.  “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8) and “shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  Therefore, I shall not be wanting in anything that I truly need.

That is a wonderful truth, one that we can count on every day. But, I think this verse; also, has a second connotation that we must ponder and consider.  I think it is also a command to my own heart.  One I must remind my heart and preach to my heart each day.  When I remember that God is Sovereign, His love for me unconditional, and His desire is for my best; then, I shall not want anything apart from what He is and has provided for me.  Because I trust Him, I shall not want of counterfeit joys.  For He is providing my every need.  Furthermore, He knows what trials, heartbreaks, and tears I must face to come to the end of me, that I might know Him and the fullness of His power in me.

THE COMMAND: “I SHALL NOT WANT”

Oh, foolish heart of mine, why do you want so much of vain glory or things that cannot satisfy?  Standing before you IS God with open arms; wanting to fill every crevice of your heart with His love, His joy and His peace.  He is the bubbling fountain, the water of life that satisfies your thirsty soul. Ever present, He patiently waits to hear your voice seeking Him, calling out His name in the early hours or saying goodnight at the end of each day.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want for other things.  Yet, there are times I must remind my heart of that truth.  I sit down and recall all those times when He has supplied me, not with what I asked for; but always, what was better.  How often has He protected me from myself?  Knowing that what I thought I wanted would only cause me harm, He said, “no, I have something better for you”.

“I SHALL NOT WANT” WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

It means that in Christ Jesus, I have everything that I need and more.  He is my greatest treasure.  I know that He loves me and will give me His best; because, He is for me. Therefore, I shall not want because He is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

Just released:

For  previous posts:

What was the Greatest Oath Ever Made?

How to Not Allow False Doctrine to Seep In

In God’s Kingdom the Last Shall be First, Why?

How to Serve God with a Humble and Certain Heart

Do You Know and Trust the Good Shepherd?

Or for poetry

The Shepherd’s Lullabye of Love

Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

ANOTHER Book Available

God called upon a layman to “Build That Wall” around Jerusalem in 444 B.C. Nehemiah had no former political position, nor was he among the spiritually elite. He held a comfortable prestigious position in the royal palace of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Yet, God called him out, to leave his comfort behind and to go to build the wall for his people. He met with great opposition, political corruption, and threats; yet, he stands out as a great leader.  This is an in-depth study of Nehemiah, followed by an apologetic argument discussing “the Evil within Our own nation”, how we let it in and what we must do now as Christians.

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

CREDITS AND FOOTNOTES

Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

Jehovah Rohi: “The Lord is my shepherd” Psalm 23:1. The shepherd cares for, protects and provides for the sheep.  When the pastures are barren, he leads them to new pastures.  However, sometimes it is a journey through rough terrain; but, the shepherd knows what is best for His sheep.  He protects them from the ravenous enemy that desires to destroy them.  And “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).  All too often, we forget the depth of love, our Shepherd has for us or want to believe we are lions needing not His protection.  We wander off, believing we can find a better way to greener pastures.  Then, we like David cry out: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” Psalm 119:176.

We plead for Him to find us; but, He has not left us lost, wandering on our own. Realizing our own foolishness, we believe He has abandoned us.  We cry out: “O, God, why has thou cast us off forever? Why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?” (Psalm 74:1).  When we forget that He is our great Shepherd who loves us, desiring the best for each of His sheep; then, we may fall into despair.  We see the circumstances surrounding us, the wounds of our journey and fail to see that His watchful eye is there amid our greatest trials.  He is guiding us away from a greater danger of our soul and leading us to a place of joy, hope, and comfort in Him.

Our Desperate Cry

When we forget who we are in Christ Jesus and the depth of love God has for His chosen sheep, we languish in our fear and desperation.  Like David did in Psalm 69:1-5, we cry out:

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.  I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.  I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.  They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head:  they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.  O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.”

Yet God’s reply is:

“For thus saith the Lord God; ‘Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.  As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12).

Jesus Christ, Our Good Shepherd

We need not be afraid whatever trials may surround us, if we know Jesus Christ as our Savior.  He is the good shepherd as He said. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).  He died on the cross that “whomsoever believeth might be saved” (John 3:16).  “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:26). Safe, secure beneath the Shepherd’s watchful eye, we have nothing to fear; because, He is for us.

Whatever the trial.

I do not know what trial you face today.  Perhaps, you are facing a bitter divorce, or have lost a loved one.  Or maybe, you are battling with chronic illness.  Your heart is breaking, and the wounds are so grave, you are certain you will never stand again.  Maybe, you are facing financial disaster and don’t know if you can make it another day worrying if there will be food on your table.  Such is this pilgrimage journey on earth at times.  Therefore, we cry out to God in desperation.

“But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name’s sake:  because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.  For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.  I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust” (Psalm 109:21-23).

Whatever the trial you are facing, if you know the Good Shepherd, rest assured.  Because He will bind up the wounds and carry you to safety; even, if it was your foolishness that lead you astray.  He loves you with an unconditional love.  His love is pursuing you, seeking you out of whatever place you have strayed to.

Do you know the good shepherd?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

For  previous posts

How to Truly Seek God with All Your Heart

Shepherd Lead Us

Shepherd the Sheep

Or for poetry

My Shepherd’s Lullabye of Love

Books Available

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Footnotes and Credits

Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash

How does one truly seek God with all their heart?  All too often, we seek Him only when trials come.  We go about our lives, doing things our way.  Then when trials come, we pray.  But is that truly seeking God with all our heart?  What happens when God’s answer is no.  Do we trust Him to know what is best?  Hebrews 11: 6 tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  However, what does it mean to diligently seek Him.  We must first recognize that God is Sovereign.  He is perfect righteousness and His desire is to transform us into the likeness of His Son; that, we might rejoice in His Presence for all of eternity.

This is certainly not a frivolous seeking Him, only when we face trials.  But, rather, it is to seek Him first and foremost as Lord of our lives.  We must turn from our sin and seek God.  His will for our life, even if His will is different than our selfish desires.  Salvation is not just a way to avoid the damnations of hell.  Instead, we are to seek God with all our heart and trust His Sovereign Grace, accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  He is the only way to the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Salvation is recognizing that I am a sinner.  Jesus Christ-God incarnate, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and won the victory over sin and death. Then, by faith, accepting His gift of salvation, I now have a relationship with God.

SEEK GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART

David wrote in Psalm 27: 7-8 “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me. When thou saidst, “Seek ye my face’; my heart said unto thee, ‘Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”   If we truly understand the gift of Salvation that we are given, we will fall before Him in adoration and praise.  We will want to know Him more. That means, we will seek God when life is filled with blessings as much as when life turns upside down.  We will trust His plan in our life, even when we do not understand.  So, how do we seek God?

God said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Note, we are to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.  Oh, certainly I cannot in my own power and strength overcome sin in my life.  But God can.  He has promised to every believer that His Holy Spirit will indwell us.  The Holy Spirit in us can overcome sin in our life.  But how do we release this power?  By seeking God in prayer and reading His Word.  Therein lies all the power we need.

Warning!

Proverbs 1:24-30

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”

To seek God only as a “fixer” of problems, ignoring His counsel and denying Christ as the only means of Salvation is not how to truly seek God. The first commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all of thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37).  Therefore, He is our greatest treasure and to seek God is to conform to His will; trusting Him to perform in and through us what we cannot do ourselves.  We are to abide in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial love for us.

Concluding Thoughts:

First and foremost, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?  If not, that is my prayer for you.  If you do, I pray you seek Him by spending time with Him each day.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here

Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts  comment here

For  previous posts

How to Labor with Joy: not in vain

Or for poetry

My One Desire: All Else I Count But Loss

Books Available

If you want to know more about books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Footnotes and Credits

Introduction Photo by Peter Dlhy on Unsplash