Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
January 3rd 2024

The Lord’s Word (II)

“The Lord is my shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me]; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 [AMP]

Bible Reading: Psalm 23

King David, the writer of our theme scripture spent early years of his life caring for sheep. He wrote out of his own experience as a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:10-11). It was deliberate that he uses the language of animal husbandry. Through the metaphor such as shepherd (vs 1), green pastures (vs 2), rod and staff (vs 4), Psalm 23 represents God, and the sheep represents his people. The way the shepherd leads his sheep to greener pastures, God leads his people to places he know will sustain them as well. The shepherd sustains, preserves, guides, supplies, and disciples the flock. The relationship between the shepherd and the flock is an interesting one. The flock submits to the shepherd and enjoys the wisdom, guidance, and love of the shepherd. In the journey of this year, you need the Good Shepherd to hold your hands because the journey is far and long.

There is an implication for having the Lord as your shepherd. You shall not want. This means that the Lord will supply your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus because that is the responsibility of the Shepherd (Philippians 4:19). It does not mean you will be idle, rather it means that the Good Shepherd will bless the works of your hands. Dear friends, God’s word to you is that He will meet your needs, not your wants. Trust in Him and enter your rest. As the Good Shepherd blesses you, remember to use His blessings to advance His work.

Self-Reflection: Every good and perfect gifts is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17).

Action Point: Make this declaration daily, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”. (Psalm 23:12)

Intercessory prayer: Pray for organizations and projects that cater for the homeless in your city for God to help and sustain them this year.

Hymn: Trust and obey

For there is no other way,

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey.