Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord (Yahweh, Jehovah) is our shepherd, Jehovah Roi, and as our shepherd he leads us where we need to go, provides for us, feeds us in the presence of our enemies and protects us.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Growing up, I always equated the “rod” with punishment or discipline. Just recently, I learned that the rod was a type of a club that the shepherd used to fight off wild animals and predators, not a tool of punishment. Not only does He guide us, feed us and give us rest, but he is a vigilant protector. We can take comfort in the security of our protection in Him and knowing that we will dwell with Him throughout eternity.
We have a good, good Father don’t we? Here are a few more descriptions of who He is to us.
Lamentations 3:24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”
Psalm 18:2 Says He is my Rock and Redeemer, Psalm 61:2 Says when my heart is overwhelmed, please lead me to the ROCK that is higher than I.
Psalm 62:6 Says He is my Refuge
Psalm 71:3 He is my Fortress
Habakkuk 1:12, Exodus 3:15 He is Eternal
Romans 10:13 He is my Savior
Hebrews 13:8 He is the Same yesterday, today and forever.
John 14:6 I am the Way, The Truth, and the Life
Isaiah 64:8 tells us that he is the potter, and we are the clay.
Psalm 68:5 He is a Father to the fatherless, defender of the widow.
Isaiah 54:5 Your Maker is your Husband, “The Lord God Almighty” is His name.
Who is He to you?
Who is the God you need today?
In times of uncertainty, (which we have certainly experienced in abundance these past two years) there is absolute certainty, when you call on God as Creator (Elohim), Provider (Jehovah Jireh), Healer (Jehovah Rophe), God of Peace (Jehovah Shalom), or our Shepherd (Jehovah Roi), you will be heard.
We have been taught to not trust strangers, but our God has offered us the privilege of knowing Him, our King and Creator of the universe, intimately and personally. We learn to trust Him when we grow in revelation, knowledge and understanding of His great name. We do this through studying scripture, listening to sound teaching, and praying. God invites us right where we are to know and trust Him and to become a Child of the King.
You may know the name Yahweh, I Am that I am, but can you call him ABBA Father (daddy)? If not, right now is the time.
Will you be one who diligently seeks to know Him, know Him better?
As it says in Colossians 3:10, Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator (Elohim) and become like Him. If you need to, seek someone out to pray with or just make your heart right with God right here and now, and feel free to tell us about it so we can rejoice with you.
For further study:
Becoming a Woman Who Knows God by Name by Jan Harrison
Spoken For by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke
Victim of Grace by Robin Jones Gunn
The Divine Romance by Gene Edwards
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
The Books of Psalms and Isaiah
Resources:
Bible Gateway at www.biblegateway.com – Various versions of the Bible – check out the “Names of God” Bible, the NLT and others. This is a great study resource.
Bible Hub at www.biblehub.com
Have a very blessed day. I hope to see you back here next week.
Thank you Keri Willis! Psalm 23 is one of my favorites. It is so beloved for a very good reason. Thank you for having us reflect on this wonderful passage with you.
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He is such a good Shepherd isn’t He?
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Guidance, care and replenishment from the shepherd. “I shall not want.”
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I love all the different names for God and what they mean. You remind us of how lovely our Gos is❤️
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