Elsa Ritchie Art

 

The Lord is my Shepard, 2026

Psalm 23:1-6 "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Green pastures represent provision.

Still waters represent peace and rest.

Restored souls represent spiritual renewal.

Paths of righteousness represent God's guidance.

Our confidence even in the hardest of days comes from the Lord's presence that restores our souls.

John 10:2-4 "The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." 

John 10:11-16 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." 

David calls the Lord his Shepherd. A shepherd guides, feeds, protects, and cares for every sheep. Jesus later identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10, revealing that He is the fulfilment of Psalm 23. God is the faithful Shepherd who lovingly provides, guides, protects, restores, knows, and sacrifices Himself for His people. His followers recognise His voice; He calls His sheep by name, and the sheep willingly follow Him because they trust Him.  

Jesus has 'other sheep' who will hear His voice. This points to God's plan to bring people from every nation into one family under one Shepherd.

Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I can trust that my Shepherd knows exactly what I need and will faithfully care for me. I recognise His voice by regularly reading Scripture, praying, and obeying what He teaches, so I become more familiar with His voice than the voice of fear, culture or temptation. A sheep doesn't always know where the shepherd is leading, but it trusts him. Likewise, I can obey God even when His direction is difficult or unclear. When I face loss, illness, disappointment, or uncertainty, I will focus on God's presence rather than my circumstances, as the Lord never forsakes us. The Shepherd's rod and staff comfort because they keep the sheep safe. Instead of resisting conviction, I will welcome God's correction because He is leading me toward righteousness. Jesus proved His love by laying down His life for His sheep. I don't have to earn His acceptance because His sacrifice has already demonstrated His love for me. I live with gratitude, knowing my salvation is grounded in Christ's finished work. Jesus models compassion, protection, and selfless love. His followers are called to care for others with the same heart. I will look for opportunities to encourage, serve, protect, and pray for those the Holy Spirit leads me to. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows me personally, provides for me faithfully, guides me wisely, protects me continually, and loves me sacrificially. My response is to trust His care, listen for His voice through Scripture, obey His leading, and follow Him faithfully every day.