Who is the shepherd of your soul? Are you? Is someone else? Is it One who is omniscient and omnipresent? One who can really guide you and minister to your soul?
God is described as the, “Shepherd of Israel” in Psalm 80. How was God a “shepherd” to Israel?
- He chose Israel (vs. 8).
- He delivered them from bondage (vs. 8).
- He prepared a place for them; a home (vs. 9).
- He caused them to grow greatly (vs. 9-11).
- He disciplined them (vs. 4-6; 12-13). The Old Testament records that this was the result of Israel’s continual and rebellious sin.
Isn’t this how God desires to “shepherd” us?
- He chooses us to be His children, His precious child (1 John 3:1a).
- He delivers us from bondage to sin (Romans 6; 8:1-2).
- He is preparing an eternal home for us (John 14:1-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- If we love and follow Him, we will grow in spiritual and emotional maturity (Romans 12; Colossians 3:1-17).
- If we rebel, He will discipline us out of love for us. This is so we may share His holiness (Hebrews 12:5-11).
- He wants to have a close, intimate relationship with us (Jeremiah 33:3; Revelation 3:20).
King David intimately knew God as his shepherd. In Psalm 23 he wrote, God is my shepherd. Because God is my shepherd:
- He provides for me.
- He provides for my physical needs. He gives me good food and quiet water from which to drink deeply. He gives me times of rest.
- He provides for my emotional and spiritual needs. He gives rest and restoration for my soul as I commune with Him.
- He guides me in the right way to live. He does this because of his perfect nature.
- He guides me through fearful places. He is with me in them. He takes me through them.
- He enables me to experience His wonderful presence and provision, even in the mist of enemies.
- God’s goodness is with me. My heart overflows with joy because of God’s grace, mercy and presence!
- I can count on God. His covenantal love will be with me all of my life!
- I enjoy God’s wonderful presence all the days of my life now.
- I will enjoy His presence forever in the home He has prepared for me in heaven!
David was able to enjoy God “shepherding” him because of his intimate relationship with God. God desires to shepherd us. He desires to do everything for us that He did for Israel and for David. Won’t you enter into a relationship with Him? Won’t you allow Him to be the shepherd of your soul?
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#omniscient #omnipresent #KingDavid #www.LifefortheSoul #BeautifulYou!(InsideandOut!)
