Our Good Shepherd

June 23, 2025

God has been your Shepherd from day one, past, present, and future.

Today, let's embrace a powerful truth that can transform our perspective on life's journey. When we recognize God as our Shepherd, we discover that nothing is happening against us, everything is working for our good. This revelation can free us from unnecessary worry and anxiety, replacing fear with confidence in His faithful guidance.

The Revelation That Changes Everything

Jacob's story teaches us a profound lesson about perspective. For years, he lived in anxiety and depression, believing his beloved son Joseph was dead. He thought everything was happening against him. But in a beautiful moment of revelation recorded in Genesis, Jacob finally understood the truth:

"I never thought I would see your face again but look, God has let me see you and your children." - Genesis 48:11

What a powerful moment! Jacob not only discovered that Joseph was alive but also realized that God had been working behind the scenes all along. This revelation transformed his understanding of his entire life journey.

Like Jacob, many of us struggle because we lack the knowledge of who God truly is in our lives. We face challenges, experience disappointments, and sometimes feel abandoned. But what if we could see our circumstances through God's eyes?

The Shepherd of Our Past, Present, and Future

In his old age, Jacob made a profound declaration that reveals his new understanding:

"The God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day." - Genesis 48:15

This statement is revolutionary. Jacob recognized that God hadn't just recently become his shepherd, God had been guiding him from the very beginning, even when Jacob couldn't see it. This wasn't a new relationship but a new revelation of an eternal truth.

Imagine how different Jacob's life might have been if he had embraced this truth earlier! The anxiety, the scheming, the running away, all unnecessary because God was shepherding him all along.

The same is true for us. God has been our Shepherd from day one and will continue to be our Shepherd every day forward. This truth doesn't change with our circumstances or feelings. It remains constant, yesterday, today, and forever.

Living Without Lack

When we truly understand that the Lord is our Shepherd, we can declare with confidence:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing." - Psalm 23:1

This isn't just poetic language, it's a declaration of sufficiency. Because the Lord is our Shepherd, we have everything we need. He feeds us, guides us, and shields us from harm. Every good and perfect gift comes from above.

Even when things appear to be going wrong, our Good Shepherd is working to transform every situation for our good. Nothing is broken, nothing is missing, and nothing is lacking in His care.

Walking Through Valleys Without Fear

Even though we walk through the darkest Valley with the Lord as our Shepherd, we can walk without fear:

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

When the enemy brings lies, doubts, or fears, we don't need to be overwhelmed. We can boldly declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd!" This simple truth disarms the enemy's attacks and reminds us of God's constant presence and protection.

Overflowing Blessings

Our Good Shepherd doesn't just provide the minimum, He gives abundantly:

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." - Psalm 23:5

Your cup overflows! Your blessings overflow! Your healing overflows! Your prosperity overflows! Everything overflows in your life because the Lord is your Shepherd. He doesn't just meet your needs; He exceeds them.

Goodness and Mercy All Your Days

With the Lord as our Shepherd, we can live with absolute confidence in His goodness:

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6

Only goodness and mercy will follow you, not problems, not sickness, not poverty, not sin. When we understand that God is our Shepherd, we can proclaim with certainty that His goodness and mercy will pursue us all the days of our lives.

Conclusion

Don't be like Jacob, getting this revelation at the last minute and wasting time in worry and anxiety. Embrace this truth today: God is your Shepherd, past, present, and future. Nothing is happening against you. Everything is working for your good.

When problems arise, declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd." When doubts come, proclaim, "The Lord is my Shepherd." When you walk through valleys, remember, "The Lord is my Shepherd."

This simple truth has the power to transform your perspective and fill your life with peace, confidence, and joy.

Reflect on This

How might your perspective on current challenges change if you truly believed God has been your Shepherd all along?

What areas of your life do you need to surrender to the Good Shepherd's guidance today?

Prayer

I declare that the Lord is my Shepherd, and I lack nothing. You guide me to green pastures and lead me beside quiet waters. You refresh my soul and lead me along right paths. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil because You are with me. My cup overflows with Your blessings, and Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I am never alone, never abandoned, and never without Your perfect care. Thank You for being my Shepherd from day one until eternity. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• God has been your Shepherd from day one, past, present, and future.

• When you understand God as your Shepherd, you realize nothing is happening against you.

• The Lord's shepherding means you lack nothing, your cup overflows with His provision.

• Even in life's darkest valleys, you can walk without fear because your Shepherd is with you.

• Only goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.

To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.