God “is” “My Shepherd”. “Is” meaning ; “existing in this moment of time“, and “the substance, characteristics, and/or character of a thing”. God “is” a “right now”, “in this moment” God; alive, active and available to us. His “substance”, “characteristics”, and “character” is “Shepherd”.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is,…..” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
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What does a “shepherd” do? A shepherd “watches over” the flock; leading and guiding them, nurturing them and tending to their needs, protecting them and providing for them. However, in order for the members of the “flock” to enjoy and benefit from the efforts of the shepherd, they must cooperate with the shepherd, following the shepherd’s leadership. They can’t be running off, crawling through a fence (crossing boundaries) so they can “do their own thing”. Those who stray from the flock become much easier prey for any “wolves” (predators) that are lurking around.
Psalm 23 states “The Lord (Jehovah – God) is my shepherd”; but it seems that the time we hear these scriptures the most is at funerals. Read Psalm 23, it is not a funeral song; it is a “My God ‘IS’” song! A “right now”, “in this moment” song, of the One who desires to “shepherd” you every moment of the day.
Psalm 23:1-6 (Amplified Bible)
1 THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is,…..” God “is” “My Shepherd”.
*** Fred Wilson *** is an author, former coach, teacher and Life and Liberty News Contributor.
