Think about all the things we do to protect ourselves from danger or financial calamity. We wear seatbelts, buy homeowner’s and health insurance, we have Ring doorbells and pepper spray. We do these things to protect ourselves from danger or the unexpected events that can bring destruction.
But none of those things really protect us from danger. They may minimize the effects of a bad situation but they don’t stop bad things from happening. Our only real protection comes from the God of the universe.
In Psalm 23, David talks about God’s protection. He uses an analogy that made sense to him. David was a shepherd and he understood that his job was to keep his flock safe from danger. David offers us many insights in this psalm and it starts with understanding the nature of sheep.
Sheep aren’t smart or resourceful. They are easily led astray failing to realize the danger ahead.
Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Sheep are not very smart animals. They aren’t self reliant and they don’t anticipate danger until they’re already in it. They are also followers so they can be easily led astray.
A shepherd’s role is to protect their flock from danger and provide for the sheep’s every need.
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
As a shepherd, David experienced that with his flock. He had to constantly corral the flock because he knew what his sheep needed- a place to rest, food, water, and protection from predators who lie in wait. The shepherd knows what the sheep don’t. They are totally dependent on the shepherd.
This is true for us, too. There is a reason that the Bible refers to the sheep/shepherd analogy over 100 times! We are sheep. God is our Shepherd. Even though we think we’re smart, resourceful and independent, we don’t know what we don’t know. We easily wander into danger when we listen to what our culture is selling and when we let our feelings decide what’s true for us. We think we’re in charge but we’re not.
We need a shepherd – the Great Shepherd. We need to listen to God’s voice and follow where He leads. That’s what leads to a life of peace and contentment. It’s realizing that we are utterly dependent upon God for our every need.
So, are you a sheep that is wandering off into danger or a sheep that’s following The Shepherd to safer pastures?
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.
