You need a shepherd

READ PSALM 78:40-72

Psalm 78:70-72(ESV)

⁷⁰ He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; ⁷¹ from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people,    Israel his inheritance. ⁷² With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

In the summer of 2008 I traveled with members of our church to the mountains of Romania. I was a worship leader for a weeklong retreat geared toward college students. There were so many memorable moments on that trip. Traveling the road up the side of the mountain I looked down and saw the pavement crumbling away. Underneath was a bright red brick road. Our guide told us that this particular mountain used to be a favorite getaway for military commanders of the Roman Empire. The red brick roads were built by the Roman Empire and were still in place.

Another highlight was watching the various shepherds walk with their sheep from one mountaintop to another. In the morning you would see a scattering of sheep far off in the distance, and by the end of the day you would see how far those sheep had traveled with the guidance of their shepherd. I used to have pictures of all this, but sadly, I've lost them all.

The images, however, are firmly planted in my mind. I'll never forget them. Especially the memory of the shepherds.

Life can be so hard. It is full of difficult moments, hardships, and failures. The valleys of life can bring us low and make us feel like there is nothing good in the world.

That is why you need a shepherd.

Shepherds lead us to greener pastures. They walk us through the "dry and weary lands of life" and guide us through the valley. Following the shepherd is the way to the next mountaintop. This may be a good time to stop and Read Psalm 23.

The blessed assurance of the follower of Christ is the gift of Jesus being your Shepherd. He promises to hold you, instruct you, and guide you through peaks and valleys. All you need to do is follow him and stay near to him.

The Psalms are filled with references to God being a shepherd to his people. Psalms 77-80 are known as the "Shepherd Psalms." Each chapter recounts the ups and downs of the nation of Israel in relation to God. Psalm 78:71-72, however, give a definitive glance at the heart of our Shepherd. "With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand."

My heart is so full of gratitude as I read this verse. God is faithful, merciful, and full of grace toward his people. The people of Israel would fail God on multiple occassions. They were a grumbling and complaining people in spite of God's many displays of miracle power! And yet, with upright heart he shepherded them and guided them. He never left them!

Jesus, as your Shepherd, promises to never leave you nor forsake you.

How many times have you failed? How many times should you have been abandoned or forsaken?

And yet he continues to shepherd you and walk you through this journey called life. The Lord knows you are just one valley away from the next mountaintop, and he's going to lead you there even when you bite and resist.

The Lord is patient with you. He placed eternity in your heart and he promises to guide you into an everlasting life with him. He is the One and Only Shepherd you should ever want or need.

Yes, you need a Shepherd, my friend. Rely on him and his skillful hand.

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN. If you would like to support this website and make it possible for this page to stay active and these devotions to reach a wider audience, CLICK HERE

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