This post is Day 8 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.

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Psalm 23 – Day 8

David the shepherd knew his sheep well. He led them where they needed to go for their health and wellbeing. His reputation as a shepherd depended on it. The health of the sheep was important, the livelihood of the family depended on it. Talk to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul, He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

The Thought

For many of us, our souls have been hurt by others, but often we are hurting on the inside because we have taken a wrong path. Sometimes we just make mistakes, other times we follow the crowd going the wrong way. The Bible has something to say about most things, and the following verse from Matthew 7 seems to go with our verse for today.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

How sad that last phrase is, “only a few find it”! If the sheep try to live independently of the shepherd, they are not likely to find the best path. It is the same for us.

David the shepherd knew his sheep well. He led them where they needed to go for their health and wellbeing. His reputation as a shepherd depended on it. The health of the sheep was important, the livelihood of the family depended on it.

Jesus will do the same for us. His reputation may not depend on it, but if we, His “sheep”, are healthy, happy, and follow His guidance with enthusiasm, we will draw others to Him.

Action

Is your soul in need of restoration today? Take time to talk to Jesus, the good Shepherd, about why you are down. Ask Him to help you back to wholeness.

Think today about your relationship with Jesus. Are you following Him closely, or are you following other sheep, believing they are going the right way?

Have you turned away from the “right path” for some reason? The Good Shepherd is waiting to help you back. Praise Him that He is never far away.