Because the Lord is our Shepherd, we lack nothing. He leads us as His own flock, and He supplies everything that we lack in ourselves.
What does the Lord supply to His sheep? First, He supplies a sense of meaning and purpose for our lives. A shepherd always has a goal in mind for the flock. If he leads his sheep to the mountain pastures, it’s because he has something he wants to accomplish there. If he leads them beside the still water, he has a reason for doing so. If he leads the sheep out in the midst of wolves, it’s because he wants them there. It’s the shepherd who supplies the purpose.
Meaning is an essential ingredient of life. Why are so many people depressed and suicidal today? Their lives lack meaning and purpose. Why are alcohol abuse and drug abuse rates skyrocketing, even among people who are wealthy and successful? They have no reason for living. They use chemicals to numb the pain of their meaningless existence.
A man once came to me for counseling. He said – I have everything I want, but I don’t want anything I have. He was suffering from destination sickness, the sickness of having achieved all of his life goals only to find that none of his achievements brought him peace and satisfaction.
God, our good Shepherd, supplies us with meaning, purpose and a reason for living. He makes life worthwhile.
Second, the Shepherd supplies love, another desperate need in our lives. Our Lord loves His sheep. He gives us everything that love entails – caring, protection and provision.
Whenever we feel abandoned or neglected by God, we need to remember that He is our Shepherd. We are always in His protective care, even when we are not aware of it.
Have faith in God! He will lead you through the deep waters and bring you safely to the other shore. Once there you’ll be able to say with the Psalmist – Your ways, O God, are holy. What God is so great as our God!
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