The Lord is My Shepherd (Part 2)

            In Part 1 we learned that when the Lord is our shepherd that he will provide and meet our needs. In part 2 we will see that when the Lord is our shepherd he will lead us. In Psalm23:2 David says that “he leads.” David is in one of the worst times of his life but still believes that God has not left him. The idea behind God’s leading is that he leads his people with care and as a shepherd who, in his loving concern, leads his flock. Since God wants to lead his people it means that he wants to be involved with our lives. God is not distant not caring what happens to us. He is also not a God who forces his people to do things against their will. He has a loving concern for those who are his and leads his people in love. But it means that we must be willing to trust him and surrender our desires even if we do not have the completed picture before us.

            In verse 3 David says that “he guides me in paths of righteousness.” The path spoken of here literally means “cut out paths” and refers to the fact that God had already made a way for David. God guides without the risk of wandering so that the individual gets to the place that they need to be. David may have been remembering the stories of how God led the people of Israel out of Egypt and eventually into the promise land (Exodus 15:13). We must remember that our time is not God’s time. God is never wasting time no matter how long it might take to reach the destination.

            One of the best examples of God leading me is when I was deciding what college I should attend. During my senior year of high school I was praying as to where I should go to college. I knew that I wanted to go to a school to be a pastor. I narrowed my choices down to 2 schools. The first one which I really wanted to go to (which I could have finished in 2 years) would have given me the opportunity to learn to be a pastor. My second choice would also give me the opportunity to learn to be a pastor even though it would take 4 years. I was not sure what to do and I needed guidance. I sought God in prayer and asked him to lead me to the college that he desired for me to attend. In the end, I never heard back from the first school, the one I really wanted to go to. I did hear back from the second school, Southeastern University which is where I went. I learned a lot at Southeastern both in the classroom and in life. It was not easy at times and I learned lessons along the way but I am glad I followed God’s leading.

            Looking back I see that it is at Southeastern that I first learned about Regent University and first thought about getting my Master’s Degree.  Also since I went to Southeastern and received the four year degree rather than the two year degree it allowed me to earn the credits needed to get my master’s degree. Probably the biggest benefit was that it was at Southeastern where I met my wife. Did I know that life would turn out this way as a senior in high school? No way! I had no idea the way things would turn out. But God did. He had a path cut out for me and was willing to lead me with love through this journey, both in the good times and the bad times. It wasn’t easy at times but I am glad that I was led by God down this path.