The Lord Is My Shepherd: Why We Need the Good Shepherd Every Day

Where Would We Be Without the Good Shepherd?

The Lord is my Shepherd. These are some of the most comforting words in Scripture, yet we can easily overlook their depth. The Bible calls Jesus the Good Shepherd, the One who provides, protects, and guides His sheep. In John 10:11, Jesus declared: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

But here’s a question: why does God refer to us as sheep? And what does it mean for us to trust and follow Him daily? Let’s explore the beauty of this picture and discover why Jesus is the Good Shepherd—and why you can rest in the promise that Jesus will not leave you alone.

Why Did Jesus Call Us Sheep?

When the Bible compares us to sheep, it’s not a flattering description—but it’s an accurate one. Sheep are valuable animals, raised for wool and meat, yet they are also fragile, dependent, and easily led astray. In many ways, they reflect the human condition.

Here are some important characteristics of sheep that explain why we so desperately need the Good Shepherd:

1. Vulnerable to danger – Sheep are timid and defenseless, easy prey for predators.
2. Poor navigation skills – With weak eyesight, sheep easily lose their way and can’t find safety on their own.
3. Unable to rise without help – When a sheep stumbles and falls on its back, it cannot get up without the shepherd’s intervention.
4. Flock mentality – Sheep instinctively follow one another, which can lead the whole flock into danger without a shepherd’s guidance.

Sound familiar? Like sheep, we often wander, stumble, and follow the crowd. Left on our own, we’d be spiritually lost. This is why Jesus’ care is not optional—it’s essential.

Our Great Need for the Good Shepherd

Just as sheep cannot survive without a shepherd, neither can we live fully without Christ. We may try to rely on ourselves, but sooner or later, we find that our strength is not enough.

The Good Shepherd provides:

• Guidance – showing us the right path when we’re confused.
• Protection – defending us from spiritual danger.
• Provision – meeting our physical and spiritual needs.

Let me ask you: Are you navigating life on your own, or are you following the Shepherd who never fails?

Psalm 23—The Shepherd’s Provision and Peace

Psalm 23 paints one of the most beautiful pictures of the Good Shepherd’s care:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:1–3)

These verses remind us that with Jesus, we lack nothing. He provides green pastures—places of nourishment and peace. He leads us to quiet waters—rest for our weary hearts. He restores our souls—renewing us when life has drained us.
This is the Shepherd we follow: one who doesn’t just meet our needs, but refreshes and restores us completely.

The Good Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep

In John 10:14–15, Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

These words are incredible. The relationship between Jesus and His sheep is not distant or impersonal. He knows us intimately—our fears, our weaknesses, our struggles—and we are called to know His voice.

Even more, His love is sacrificial. Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He laid down His life for us on the cross. That act of sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God’s love and care for His people.

What the Good Shepherd Teaches Us About God’s Love

When we reflect on the metaphor of the Good Shepherd, one truth shines brightly: God’s love for us is unconditional. It isn’t based on our worth, performance, or achievements. Instead, it is freely given, steady, and unchanging.

• It’s a protective love – shielding us from harm.
• It’s a providing love – ensuring our needs are met.
• It’s a sacrificial love – proven at the cross.
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Here’s the hope we can hold onto: Jesus will not leave you alone. Even in seasons when you feel abandoned, the Shepherd is near, guiding and guarding you every step of the way.

How We Can Follow the Good Shepherd Today

If Jesus is our Shepherd, what does it look like to live as His sheep? Here are some practical ways:

1. Listen for His voice – Spend time in Scripture and prayer daily. Sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice; we learn to recognize Christ’s voice the same way.
2. Trust His guidance – Even when His path doesn’t make sense, we can trust that it leads to life.
3. Stay close to the flock – Sheep thrive in community. We too need fellowship with other believers for encouragement and accountability.
4. Rest in His protection – When fear rises, remind yourself: the Shepherd is near, and you are safe in His care.

Ask yourself: What area of my life right now needs the Shepherd’s guidance most?

Life Application: Where Would We Be Without the Good Shepherd?

Without a shepherd, sheep are lost, vulnerable, and in danger. Without Christ, we are the same. But the good news is that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep, knows His sheep, and laid down His life for His sheep.

Remember this truth: Jesus will not leave you alone. No matter what trial you face, no matter what valley you walk through, the Shepherd is there—guiding, protecting, and providing for you.

So let us follow Him faithfully, trust His voice, and rest in His care. Because where would we be without the Good Shepherd? Lost. But with Him, we are safe, loved, and secure forever.

A Personal Prayer to the Good Shepherd

Lord Jesus, Thank You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank You for watching over me when I wander, protecting me when I am vulnerable, and providing for me when I am in need.

I confess that too often I try to lead myself, and I stumble. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your guidance or doubted Your love.

I rejoice that You know me by name, that You call me to follow, and that You laid down Your life for me. Thank You that even in my weakest moments, I am never alone—because You have promised to always be with me.

Help me to recognize Your voice and obey it. Teach me to trust Your direction, even when I don’t see the full path ahead. Keep me close to You and close to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, so that I may walk in unity and strength.

Good Shepherd, let Your peace guard my heart, let Your Word guide my steps, and let Your love define my life. May I bear the fruit of Your Spirit and reflect Your goodness to others.

I choose to follow You today, knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You, Lord, that You are my Shepherd, and in You I lack nothing.

In Your name I pray, Amen.