by Tom Norvell (Norvell Note)
The twenty-third psalm begins with, "The Lord is my shepherd..."
I have heard sermons, discussions, read books, and reviewed explanation after explanation of the deep spiritual meanings of this passage. I have heard it read and quoted in funerals, I have used it myself on more occasions than I can recall to comfort, encourage, and remind listeners of the constant presence of the Lord during times of crisis and loss.
Though the lessons and applications are diverse and deep, when I read the words of this passage, the message for me is simple: I need a shepherd. In spite of all the other meanings that apply at one time or another, the consistent message for me is that I need a shepherd. God knew me well enough, long before I was ever born to know that I need a shepherd, and to provide me with a shepherd. I need a shepherd.
When times are difficult and I struggle to feel His presence, I need a shepherd.
When my children are struggling to find their way and I struggle with how to best help them, I need a shepherd.
When a decision has to be made and I am not sure how to decide, I need a shepherd.
When life is going so well that I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.
When life is not going well and I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.
When I think that I have everything under control, I need a shepherd.
When I feel that I have nothing under control, I need a shepherd.
When I am lonely, I need a shepherd. When I am surrounded by friends, I need a shepherd.
When I am on the right course, I need a shepherd. When I am not sure where the course is, I need a shepherd.
When I am rising in the morning, resting in the evening, eating my meals, enjoying a walk, playing with children, reading a book, watching television, or listening to music, I need a shepherd.
I need a shepherd. Every day, every night, every minute of every hour, I need a shepherd.
Whatever the interpretation or the insight, for me the message is simple: I need a shepherd, and I have a shepherd.
I need a shepherd!
I need The Shepherd!
