MY SHEPHERD AND SUPERNATURAL SUPPLIER

“For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out” – Ezekiel 34:11

The Lord is the Shepherd of our souls and our SUPERNATURAL SUPPLIER, as we see in Ezekiel 34 and Psalm 23. Having chastised the failed shepherds of His people, the Lord personally assumed position as the Shepherd of Israel. He promised to deliver His flock from the mouths of hireling-shepherds (v.10); search for and seek out His scattered sheep (v.11-12); feed His flock in diverse locations (v.13); and nourish them in good and rich pasture (v14). He says, “I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down” (v.15). He will not only find and gather the scattered sheep, but “bind up the broken and strengthen” the sick (v.16). Ultimately He says, “therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey…” (v.22a).

In Psalm 23, the Lord promises supernatural supplies designed to meet all dimensions of our destiny, including: rest, refreshing, restoration, direction, courage, comfort, provisions, protection, power, joy, goodness, mercy, and everlasting life. We’ll take this meditation as personal prophetic proclamations:

I shall not want for Rest – He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He provides Rest and proper Nourishment. Satan is a restless rebel who hates to see us rest; but the Lord empowers us to overcome anxiety, perpelxities, and worries.

I shall not want for Refreshing – He leads me beside quiet waters. Sheep will not drink from running or rushing water; so the shepherd dams the rushing stream to provide a serene and soothing pool where sheep may safely drink (Is.26:3). He sates our thirst and longing for Peace and Refreshment when stressed in this tough, turbulent world.

I shall not want for Restoration – He restores my soul. Sheep tend to stray and wander from the fold, but Rest and Refreshment restore. When down and discouraged, He ‘reboots my system.’

I shall not want for Guidance and Direction – He leads me. When I’m confused, He directs me in the right paths. David often prayed for direction (Ps.25:4-5). Life is like an unmarked road with blind turns, junctions, and crossings. We pass along this road, but once and need the Shepherd’s guidance to make the right Choices and Decisions.

I shall not want for Courage and Boldness – Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow the death, I will fear no evil. He addresses my fears in times of danger, darkness and the shadow of death.

I shall not want for Divine Presence – For You are with me. The Shepherd’s Presence eliminates fear and deletes despair. He is ever-present, and never sleeps nor slumbers. I can assuredly say: “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Ps.4:8).

I shall not want for Comfort – Your rod and staff comfort me. We live in a naturally comfortless world, full of troubles and tribulations; but we have a loving Comforter and faithful Shepherd.

I shall not want for Provisions – You prepare a table before me…The Great Provider not only supplies, but prepares a banquet just for me! His provisions are for the sheep that follow obediently.

I shall not want for Protection – in the presence of my enemies…When the Lord is there, Satan can only threaten; he cannot touch. He can only roar; he cannot harm (Ps.105:14-15).

I shall not want for Power – You anoint my head with oil. We live in days when people are power-hungry. Jesus possesses all Power in heaven and on earth (Mt.28:18). God’s Power is for going, flowing, giving and releasing (Acts 1:8).

I shall not want for Joy – my cup runs over…Goodness and Mercy. My Shepherd’s Goodness and Mercy accompany me all the days of my life. My cup is not large enough to contain all the bounties He is releasing; so it runs over!

All futile striving cease when you know the Lord as “Your Shepherd”! His care is personal and intimate. His affection is deep and His attention detailed. With such intimate relationship with the Shepherd of my soul, I shall never know lack!