INTIMACY WITH THE SHEPHERD

“The LORD is MY SHEPHERD; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1

INTIMACY with the SHEPHERD of our souls is the key to His care, rest, restoration, protection, guidance, and anointing: “The LORD is MY SHEPHERD; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psa.23:1-2). This is an invitation to trust in the Lord as the Shepherd of our souls, surrender our lives to His care, and experience the intimacy of a relationship built on faith and love. With its powerful imagery of the Lord as our personal Shepherd, the psalm offers a profound message of Intimacy and Trust, reminding us of God's provision, protection, and unwavering love, even in the darkest valleys.

Psalm 23, though often referred as the Shepherd’s psalm, is actually the SHEEP’S Psalm. David, the sheep, representing sheep of all generations, affirmed the blessings of God as his Shepherd, to include the following:

Care, Nourishment and Refreshing: The Shepherd not only provides for His flock but leads to green pastures and still waters. He provides refreshing and proper nourishment when we’re tired and hungry. JESUS is the Bread of Life that came from heaven to nourish our destinies.

Peace: The imagery of lying down in green pastures and being led beside still waters signifies the peace that replaces stress as we trust in God's Provision. JESUS is the living water that wells up to eternal life, and flows like rivers to refresh the souls of others.

Rest and Restoration: The Shepherd restores our soul when we’re down and discouraged. He “reboots” our system.

Protection and Guidance: The shepherd provides Purpose and Direction when we’re confused or lost. He directs us in paths hat bring Him the greatest glory and others the greatest good – the Paths of Righteousness. Even in the darkest valleys, the shepherd's presence is a source of comfort and security, guiding the sheep through difficult times. JESUS, our Shepherd is with us always and everywhere, addressing and eliminating fear in times of trials, darkness and shadow of death. He releases courage when we encounter deep darkness and danger.

Comfort and Discipline: Our Shepherd comforts us with His rod and staff. He provides Comfort, Discipline, and Direction when we tend to wander. He uses His staff to ward off predators and to direct or discipline us when we are wayward.

Abundance and Overflowing Anointing: Our Shepherd prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. We can sit down in safety and eat His banquet, though surrounded by danger. The oil on the head and the brimful cup symbolize the abundance of God's Grace and the Joy that comes from Intimacy with Him. The anointing oil keeps pesky flies (demons) away and is a symbol of honour and acceptance.

Dwelling in His House: This is a promise of eternal fellowship and a life lived in the Shepherd’s Presence. Our Shepherd pursues us with Goodness and Mercy all our days on this earth.