"The Lord is my shepherd..." (Psalm 23:1a)

​    Those opening words, and all of Psalm 23, are no doubt familiar to many of us.  We've all heard many sermons (and some of us have written many) on these words.  And the artwork and music based on God as Shepherd and we as His sheep are also very familiar.   I've memorized this Psalm, and have used it often for my own devotions and as a pastor at the bedside of so many.
   An old childhood song based on this Psalm was one that I used every week for many years with the preschool that was in our congregation.  I even have hand gestures that go with it.  I can't share that in this blog, but here are the words (and I'm singing it as I write this :)

"I am Jesus' little lamb; ever glad at heart I am.
For my Shepherd gently guides me
Knows my needs and well provides me
Loves me every day the same.
Even calls me by my name".

  Why is this Psalm such a favorite?  Is it simply because the shepherd and sheep imagery is so popular in Scripture?  Is it because Jesus uses this imagery so often (Luke 15, John 10, etc.)?  Or is it comforting to think of ourselves as under the protective and caring leadership of a Good Shepherd?  Maybe it's because many of us love little lambs and animals.  (though maybe an even better imagery would be of a dog and their owners.  But I better not criticize the writers and God as the author of the Scriptures ;)  No doubt we know the Shepherd and sheep imagery because of all and more of the above.

   All I know is that I'm thankful for these words of Scripture.  And I have so appreciated reading and meditating upon the love and care that God has for me, as  the Good Shepherd has for each and every one of us.

Pastor Steve