Shepherds still travel with their flocks across the arid landscape of Israel today. And just like the shepherds of old, today’s shepherds know their sheep. They know what scares them; they know when just one of the flock wanders off. They guide and protect them because they are theirs.

David called the Lord “our Shepherd” because we are God’s sheep. “We are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand” (Psalm 95:7 NKJV), he wrote. And just like sheep we, too, need a shepherd to guide us and protect us.

Without God’s guidance, we wander and get caught in the thistles of life. If He doesn’t lead us beside still waters, we will get spiritually dry and worn out. If He leaves us alone, the wolves of lies and evil will pounce on us and devour our faith and confidence.

God is the Good Shepherd—your Good Shepherd who draws you close and watches over you. He invites you to lie down in green pastures; He refreshes your soul and guides you along the right paths. And even the darkness of the valley of the shadow of death doesn’t have to frighten you because God doesn’t ever leave you. “I will not be afraid,” the Psalmist sang, “for you are close beside me (23:4 NLT).

Your Good Shepherd sees your tears and listens for your voice. Again, David cried, “You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” (10:17).

Let your Good Shepherd carry you today through the valleys or the victories. As you walk with Him, talk with Him. He knows you and loves you and hears you, and He wants His “goodness and love [to] follow [you] all the days of [your] life” (23:6).