The Good Shepherd
Good morning, Immanuel. Our shepherd is no stranger whose heart is hidden from us
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps 23:1).
Sometimes, it’s the familiar verses that are the most problematic. We’ve seen this verse embroidered on cushions, written in calligraphy, set against backdrops of fluffy sheep and charming meadows. But it’s a verse of defiance. At the front door of this Psalm, David asserts something precious and formidable. God is a shepherd. But that doesn’t mean we’ll have everything we want. It means we’ll lack nothing we need.
God is not promising every physical need will be met. It’s no guarantee against an accident, diagnosis, or injury today. He’s not promising every emotional need will be met. There may be mental health challenges, loneliness, and anxiety in this world. He promises to meet our every spiritual need, lead us in his ways, and do his best for us. That will involve some dark valleys and cold shadows on the way. But the grassy uplands and still waters are ahead if we will follow him.
Today, I need to pray that God won’t give me what I want but what I need. I also need to pray that, more and more, what I want will be what I most need. It’s a lot to trust him with. But this shepherd is no stranger whose heart is hidden from us. He walks each step with us, an unfailing companion. More: he has scars and bruises; he walks with a limp, for this shepherd was willing to put himself in harm’s way to protect us, to suffer more than anything we could ever fear. There is no one we can trust more.
TOMORROW, December 13th: #TRENDING QUESTIONS at 6:30 pm at Immanuel. We will address the question, “Can we believe in Christmas?”
Thursday, December 14th: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GATHERING at 6:30 pm at the Catlett’s home. RSVP at: immanuelnashville.com/signups
Friday, December 15th: TENTH GENERATION PRAYER GATHERING from 6:00 am to 7:00 am in the cafe.
Our mission at Immanuel is to make the real Jesus non-ignorable in our city and far beyond. Your generosity helps us plan for strategic ministry in the coming months and years. Would you consider making an end-of-year donation towards our Tenth Generation Prayer? We appreciate your partnership in the gospel!
Real. Settling. Thank you Sam 🙏🏼
"It means we’ll lack nothing we need."
Amen!