Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd?
Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd?
By Reverend Dr. Raymond Smith
We’ve all heard Psalm 23 quoted at funerals, in worship songs, in moments of personal struggle. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” But today, I want to pause and ask you a personal question, a deeply spiritual question. One that demands reflection: Is the Lord YOUR shepherd? Not just in theory, not just on Sundays, but in your daily life, in your thoughts, in your decisions, in your darkest valleys. Is HE leading YOU?
Our lesson isn't about memorizing verses. It’s about learning to live with the confidence, peace, and strength that comes when you truly allow the Lord to shepherd your soul.
What It Means to Be Shepherded by God
1. The Identity of the Shepherd
"The Lord is my shepherd; I will not be in need." (Psalm 23:1). In this Psalm we are reminded that God is not a distant shepherd. David writes my shepherd. Personal. Present. Protective. When the Lord is your Shepherd, you are never without provision, purpose, or peace. A sheep doesn’t guide itself…it follows. The question is: Are you allowing Him to lead you, or are you still trying to lead yourself?
2. The Care and Comfort of the Shepherd
"He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul." (Psalm 23:2–4) God's care is practical and restorative. HE gives rest to the weary, direction to the lost, and courage to the afraid. Verse 4 reminds us that even when we walk through “the valley of the shadow of death,” we fear no evil because HE is with us. His presence doesn’t always remove the valley; His presence redefines how we go through it.
3. The Provision and Protection of the Shepherd
Psalm 91 builds on this imagery. Verses 1–2 tell us that those who dwell in God's shelter find refuge and fortress. Verses 3–10 speak of deliverance from danger and unseen threats. God doesn't promise a life free of trouble; He promises His protection, presence, and power in the midst of it.
4. The Intimacy of God’s Knowledge
God doesn't just guide us generally; He knows us personally. Psalm 139:1–4 says: “You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away.”
God knows your fears, doubts, motives, and dreams. He KNOWS them. That kind of knowledge isn't to shame us. That kind of knowledge is meant to guide us. Verse 24 closes with a prayer: “Lead me in the everlasting way.” Let the One who knows you best lead you best.
5. Trusting the Shepherd’s Wisdom
Trusting God means surrendering our need to control outcomes. Proverbs 3:5–6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Wisdom means listening for the Shepherd's voice, even when it's calling you to something unfamiliar or uncomfortable. He sees what we cannot see.
Practical Applications for Daily Victorious Living
1. Start Your Day with the Shepherd: Take five intentional minutes every morning to pray Psalm 23 out loud. Let it shape your mindset and remind you who is leading your day. Ask: What would today look like if I truly followed God’s lead in every step?
2. Look for the Gaps and Be the Shepherd’s Hands: Just as I once watched the needs in my own community to shape my business, pay attention to the unmet needs around you. Is someone lonely? Confused? Hurting? Let God use you to bring His provision to others. Your life becomes part of the Shepherd’s care when you serve His sheep.
3. Stay in the Fold Through Community and Wise Counsel: The sheep that strays is the one most vulnerable. Stay connected through church, Bible study, and your local community.
One Final Thought
A shepherd’s role is to lead, protect, and provide. A sheep’s role is to listen, follow, and trust. Life becomes clearer, even in chaos, when we settle that simple truth: The Lord is my shepherd. The question is really: will you trust Him enough to let God be God in YOUR life?
Experience a New Life in Jesus Christ
If you have not yet experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ, we invite you to open your heart to Him today. Embrace the truth of His resurrection and embark on a journey of transformation, guided by His presence and fueled by His mission of love and redemption.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 10:9-10 that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
Do it today and start enjoying a new life in Jesus Christ.
Discover the Transformative Work of Reverend Dr. Raymond Smith
The Reverend Dr. Raymond Smith is a Christian Psychologist and Counselor whose passion lies in guiding individuals through life’s challenges with wisdom, compassion, and faith. With a powerful blend of academic expertise and spiritual insight, Dr. Smith has become a sought-after motivational speaker, known for inspiring positive change and deep personal growth. Learn More
As a Christian Minister, Reverend Dr. Raymond Smith holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Doctorate in Christian Counseling with an Emphasis on Psychology. He currently serves as the Program Director of NovaPaths THP, where he continues to impact lives through leadership, mentorship, and transformative outreach.
One of his most impactful offerings is the signature training session, "If You Can Change Your Mind, You Can Change Your Life". This one-hour session is designed to help individuals reframe their thinking, embrace personal development, and step into a renewed sense of purpose.
Learn More and Register Here
Whether you're seeking encouragement, clarity, or a fresh start, Reverend Dr. Raymond Smith offers the tools and guidance to help you move forward. Discover how faith and psychology can work hand in hand to empower lasting transformation. Learn More
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Scriptures for this Bible Study taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © 2025 The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission. www.Bible.com
"Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd?" is a Christian Bible Teaching presented by Second Ridge Ministries
05/19/2025 | © 2025 Second Ridge Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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