January 27, 2006

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me besides the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, 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 runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. --Psalm 23

 

The names of God in the Bible are significant because they describe the very nature and character of who He is. Our God is:

 

·         Jehovah Jireh, which means “the Lord will provide.” The psalmist said, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

·         Jehovah Rafay, which means “the Lord heals” or “the Lord restores.” The psalmist said, “He restores my soul…”

·         Jehovah Tsidkenu, which means “the Lord, our righteousness.” The psalm said, “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

·         Jehovah Shammah, which means “the Lord is present.” The psalmist said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…”

·         Jehovah Nissi, which means “the Lord, our Banner,” “the Lord, our Victor,” or “the Lord, our Conqueror.” The psalmist said, “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…”

·         Jehovah Raha, which means “the Lord, our Shepherd.” The psalmist said, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

 

When the Lord lives in your heart, He’s not only all you want — He is all you need. We are all like sheep — dirty, defenseless, and dependent. We often wander off, but the Lord continues to bring us back because He laid on Jesus the sins of us all (see Isaiah 53:5). He came to earth and became one of us, so we could have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life with Him. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, He is now your Shepherd and every area of your life is under His control, direction, and protection. Be content and satisfied in Him.

 

THE SHEPHERD SEEKS TO GUIDE YOU. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR WAY OR ARE YOU WALKING BESIDE HIM ON THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS?