Soul Shepherd
Our hearts need help and souls need a Shepherd to help us through all of life's ups and downs.
“Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years...Sarah died in Kiriath Arba...Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.”
Genesis 23:1-2 WEB
Imagine the depth of pain and loss that Abraham must have felt with Sarah's passing. Loss is hard. The finality of it is jarring. The best thing we can do in the moments where we are hurting is turn to the God who loves us as we need to be loved.
How are you today? Where do you need a shepherd for your soul? Call on Jesus and listen to His voice speak to your heart.
“Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the 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 runs over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.”
Psalms 23:1-6 WEB
As you read through the most famous Psalm, where does your mind and heart go? What are you drawn towards? Lean into and listen to God speak to you through the verses. Psalms 23 is meant to be personalized and felt to the depths of your soul. Change the words from He to You. You are my Shepherd. You make me lie down. You guide me. It is meant to be declared aloud and the promises held securely. Invite the Holy Spirit into an intimate time with Him as you repeat the words aloud.
“Don’t let your heart envy sinners, but rather fear Yahweh all day long. Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.”
Proverbs 23:17-19, 26
We were made to abide, dwell, and experience the presence of God. God gives us a choice and calls each of us by name to surrender our hearts to Him. Where have you held back your heart? Will you fully surrender and trust Him today to be your Shepherd?
“Yahweh of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.”
Isaiah 23:8-9
Isaiah calls out one of the greatest barriers to intimacy with God. Our pride. God alone is the one who is worthy of all glory. How does pride impact your life?
“Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:9-12
Humility surrenders control where pride places our will above God's will. God's goal is not to produce shame or fear. He wants to teach us how humility opens the door to saving grace and healing love. God has a plan for our lives and wants to lead us to the abundant, eternal, connected life with Him that He planned before we were born.
The Shepherd of your soul is calling you to follow. He wants to bring Psalms 23 to life as you experience the power of His presence, peace, and provision as He answers all of your prayers. His only ask is that you give Him your heart. Will you? Will you allow Jesus to restore your soul? Will you allow His goodness and loving kindness to guide you as you dwell with Him in the House of the Lord forever?