This post is Day 6 in a series of studies about “Psalm 23”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Psalm 23 – Day 6

Being a spiritual leader is not easy, and can be a lonely job. The only way to be successful is to stay in very close contact with our Heavenly Father. We must keep listening to the Lord. He knows the needs of the flock better than anyone else.

Jeremiah 10:21

The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered.

The Thought

What an indictment this is on the priests of Jeremiah’s day. Do you think God might be saying it to some today?

There have been many times throughout history when people have been deceived into following the “wrong” leader. Charismatic personalities can be a plant of satan and, sadly, there are some in the church today. Maybe you know people who were once church-goers, but were hurt emotionally or even physically by their leader and have consequently turned their back on God. It takes much prayer and patience to bring such a person back into a relationship with a loving God who is The Good Shepherd.

In the first part of this verse, it seems that the prophet is saying the problem lies in the fact that “the shepherds do not inquire of the Lord”.

Being a spiritual leader is not easy, and can be a lonely job. The only way to be successful is to stay in very close contact with our Heavenly Father. Whether we are the leader in our own family, or responsible for a small group, a class, a whole church or a group of churches with other leaders, teachers, priests and pastors, we must keep listening to what the Lord is saying. He knows the needs of the “flock” better than anyone else.

Action

Pray today for those you consider your spiritual leader / counsellor.

Pray for priests and pastors in your area who lead other church groups.

Praise God for those who have been good shepherds to you along your life’s journey.

If you are responsible for the spiritual growth of others, whether family or friends, ask the Lord for guidance and encouragement today.