Listen to the devotional here.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 NKJV)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1 NIV)

Can you tell the difference between different sheep? A good shepherd can, because he loves his sheep in a close and caring way. A good shepherd knows his sheep by name. He can even tell his sheep apart by their looks, their personalities, and even the sounds they make.

With such a relationship of love and care, the sheep listen and follow the voice of their shepherd because they trust him. In the same way, we should listen to and follow God, who is our Good Shepherd.

The shepherd takes care of his sheep by leading them to green, grassy fields and calm waters. He protects them and restores their souls. Even though they walk through the darkest valley, even when their predators hunt them, the sheep do not need to be afraid. Their shepherd is with them; his rod and his staff comfort them.

With their loving shepherd by their side, the sheep have everything they need. He takes care of them.

If a sheep wanders away and gets lost deep in the mountains, it is in great danger from wild animals such as wolves, foxes, lions, and even eagles. How upset the shepherd must be to hear the painful and sorrowful bleating of his lost sheep!

A faithful shepherd would immediately cry out, "My sheep, where are you? My sheep, come back!” A faithful shepherd will do anything to bring his sheep back safely.

David, the shepherd boy who became a great king, fought lions and bears to protect his sheep. In the same way as David saved his sheep from the lion's mouth, so God saved David many times from danger. Because David experienced the tender loving care of God, his Shepherd, he declared, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

In the same way, God watches over you and me. The Lord is the Shepherd of all His chosen people, including us.

Is there anyone you love so much that you would die for them?

A good shepherd loves his sheep so much that he would even face dangers and die to protect his sheep. Jesus is our Good Shepherd—He gave His life for us, and He promises to be with us forever. When you follow your Shepherd, Jesus, you never have to be afraid. With Him, you lack nothing. You have everything you need.

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion questions:

• Why do the sheep trust and follow their shepherd? How can we learn to trust and follow God?

• What happens when a sheep wanders away from the shepherd? What do you think God does when we go the wrong way?

• Jesus is called our Good Shepherd. What are some ways we can be good sheep and stay close to Him?

Prayer in words:

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Lord Jesus, You are our Good Shepherd. You know us by name and take care of us. Thank You for guiding us every day and giving us what we need. Help our family to listen to Your voice and follow You wherever You lead. When I am afraid, remind me to trust that You are with me. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Amen.

_{Adapted from Hsieh, Ezra. “A Shepherd & His Sheep.” Living Bread, Word of Life Publishing House.}