Sam Boodle, For The Guardian

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. [Psalm 23]

The 23rd Psalm is one of the most recognizable and beloved passages in the Bible. Next to the Lord's Prayer, it is the best known. This Psalm was written by King David who himself had been a shepherd in his earlier life. He knew the kind of care and tender affection which a good shepherd shows towards his sheep. He knew what it was to show kindness and exercise great skill in tending them.

David's journey was with God who was his Good Shepherd. He cherished his relationship with Him and this we can experience with him in this Psalm.

The Psalmist tells us that God is like a Good Shepherd. When we are in His care, we will not want for anything. He provides our daily needs.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." The comfort of this life is to know that we are in the care of a loving God who knows what we need and who provides for that need. No! We might not have all the riches or amenities of this world, but that is not the most important thing in life. Only the fool relies solely upon the things of this world and neglect the Lord, God. When we place God first in our lives, He will provide us with what we need for sustenance. His grace is sufficient.

I can testify to that. The Lord has been my life and my light. He has rescued me during some of the most desperate moments in my life. Put your trust in God for your sustenance. He will never disappoint you. That is what the Psalmist David did.

As we journey through the maze of life, we do become weary, yet in our weariness, we find it difficult to slow down and relax. Consequently, God in his mercy compels us to rest. We who feed upon God's goodness follow His direction. He leads us by his word and His spirit. Like the sheep, we need God to provide green pastures and cool waters for us.

These are our health and strength, our family, our jobs, our wealth our house and cars. All of these can be green pastures and cool waters of life. However, in getting them, we are called to remember God and to give Him thanks and praise for his blessings.

"He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." This is the path which the saints desire to travel. It is the way home, to God's kingdom. This is a safe path.

In my life, while traveling, especially in the United States, I have been lost many times. What joy it is when I find my way and get back on the right path. That is the feeling of the saints who walk according to God's word.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." In John 10:1-10, Jesus assures us that he knows his sheep and is able to call them by name. The shepherd calls his sheep by name. We are called by name in our baptism. He has accepted full responsibility for bringing us safely home.

Yes, Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Because we have Him, even death does not scare us. In His death and resurrection, He conquered death for us. Therefore, we do not have to fear death any longer. We fear nothing because the Good Shepherd leads us.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." How gracious is the Lord. He has prepared a place for me both in this life and the life to come. I have the assurance that I shall inherit the kingdom of God. This is what the Good Shepherd has done for me and for all who place their trust in Him.

Because I trust him, I say like the song writer, "Don't worry, be happy." Yes, I can be happy because I know that I have the Good Shepherd providing for and protecting me. In this life I might have my setbacks, yet, I know that my wants will be taken care of.

Therefore, I will not worry. My enemies may gloat, but they will not win. My God is in my corner. I shall not fear because the Lord, the Good Shepherd, is on my side. He provides in abundance. My cup overflows.

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." What joy it is to know that at the end of this journey called life, I can look forward to the comfort of the Lord's house forever.

In this life, when we start out with the Lord, He, the Good Shepherd leads us along the way and He takes us to places that are the envy of our enemies. He gives us comfort, even in the midst of a storm. When there is turmoil, in the Lord, the Good Shepherd, we find peace and comfort. Yes, He provides pastures and quiet waters.

That is what the Good Shepherd does for you and for me. At the end of this journey we call life, He brings us to a safe home where we will never have to feel pain. We will neither worry about wars, and starvation, and man's inhumanity to man, nor sorrow. Our tears will be dried. Finally, we will live in the presence of the Lord forever. Then we can say like Saint Paul; "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Cor. 15:57)

*Rev. Samuel Boodle can be reached at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, P. O. Box N4794, Nassau, Bah. Phone, 323-4107 .