Psalm 23: The Lord IS

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 

The Lord IS.  

Two letters, yet such a powerful word—IS. The verb “IS’ is definitive. It defines and leaves no wiggle room for other interpretations. The Lord IS my shepherd. 

You may not find the job description for a shepherd on Indeed. If you did, it would look like the job description for a soldier. (Ok, you can’t find “soldier” on Indeed either, but let’s run with the analogy.) Like a shepherd, a soldier’s workplace is rugged terrain. He cannot indulge himself in a climate-controlled office. 

He undergoes long periods of isolation and even boredom which are then interrupted by an enemy. He must be ever vigilant, always on guard while maintaining a calm yet authoritative demeanor. A soldier lays his life on the line for you.

The Lord IS my soldier. Not in the context of a guardian angel but in the overwhelming realization that God IS always present, always protecting, always providing, always leading. 

The Lord IS my soldier, my shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 describes God as a shepherd who “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.” Jesus assures us in John 10:11 that He is “the good shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep.” 

The Lord IS my shepherd. “If God is for us, then who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 

As you move toward 100% this week, may you feel the conviction that God IS for you!