A Trustworthy Shepherd

Defenseless. Sheep are defenseless.

Some animals have sharp teeth – not sheep.

Some animals have poisonous venom – not sheep.

Some animals have great speed, hard shells, vicious claws, ferocious noises, impeccable hearing, or impressive camouflage – not sheep.

They are completely and utterly defenseless.

David, a sheep expert, and experienced shepherd writes:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3)

It is interesting to me that in this passage, the animal David chose to use is the sheep. Sheep are vulnerable, frail, weak, and helpless. They are prey animals. By their very nature, they have absolutely no way to defend themselves. To a predator, they are an easy target.

Because of these things, sheep are completely dependent upon their shepherd. They rely on their caregiver for virtually everything needed for survival.

The only way that a sheep is safe is if it is close to the shepherd. 

When sheep become separated from their shepherd, they are at risk of the many dangers of their surroundings. But, when they are close to their caregiver, they are protected, cared for, and safe.

However, the next few verses paint a scene that doesn’t seem too safe: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

This is a valley of darkness, despair, danger, and even death. Despite these things, David says that there is no fear in this valley! Why? Because the Shepherd is near!

David specifically describes two tools that the shepherd has in his hand that bring comfort to the sheep – a rod and a staff.

In biblical times, a shepherd would use a long wooden rod as a weapon to fight off predators and protect his flock. Lions, bears, snakes, and wolves would all prey on defenseless sheep. But, when the shepherd was close by, the rod had the strength and power to take down every enemy that threatened the flock.

The staff, on the other hand, had a different function. Its crook at the end was often used to guide and transport the flock. If a lamb had gone astray, the shepherd could use the staff to gently guide it on the correct path. When a sheep had gotten too far from the shepherd, the staff could be used to bring the sheep close to the shepherd once again.

These two instruments have two very different uses and yet, they both bring the psalmist comfort. A sheep needs BOTH tools to survive the dangers of the valley. It needs the strength and power of the rod to take down every enemy. But, it also needs the comfort and the gentleness of the staff to stay close to the shepherd. David knows that a skilled shepherd has both a rod AND a staff.

You see, the LORD is the Good Shepherd; He is both strength and kindness.

He is truth and grace.

He is might and mercy.

He is triumphant and tender.

He is power and patience.

He is a Conqueror and a Comforter.

If you find yourself in the midst of a dark valley, be comforted! He is ready to protect you and pull you in close.

You can trust the Shepherd. You can trust Him in the middle of the unknown. You can trust Him even in the valley of the shadow of death. Why? Because John 10:11 says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

There’s no better Shepherd than this. He chose to lay down His very life to protect the sheep He loved most – you.

If you feel weak, powerless, defenseless, and unsure where to go – that’s ok! You’re the sheep!

Your job as the sheep is not to fight—His might is unmatched, and His strength is unrivaled.

Your job as the sheep is not to know the path ahead—He will guide you to green pastures and still waters.

Your job as the sheep is to simply be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

He is a trustworthy Shepherd. Your job, little sheep, is to simply be still and trust in Him.