Our Best Friend and Shepherd

   “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.  I always have more than enough.”  Psalm 23:1 TPT

   The Passion Translation is my new favorite translation of Psalm 23:1.  It gives me fresh insights into what the young shepherd boy, David, must have meant when he wrote it.  This Bible’s footnote for this verse reads: “The word most commonly used for ‘shepherd’ is taken from the root word ra‘ah, which is also the Hebrew word for ‘best friend.’ This translation includes both meanings.”  Since I surrendered my life to Christ for real many years ago, I have considered Jesus my very best friend, so reading this footnote is a great encouragement to me.

   I believe that one of the points that David is trying to make in this verse is that, because he has a deeply personal relationship with the Lord, he always has “more than enough.”  In other words, David sees God as his Supplier and Provider.  I love my husband, Joe, and he is my very best earthly friend, and second only to Jesus.  Joe has been a faithful provider for our family for 50 years.  But I do not see my husband as my source of supply.  I see only Christ as my true Source.  And this is one reason why I refuse to give in to fear or panic when we have financial or material needs of any kind.  And if you are a follower of Jesus, you don’t have to fear, either.

   I love how Jesus told His disciples before He went to the cross, “Now you are My friends.” (John 15:15 NLT)  Think about that.  If you are a born-again believer, you have access to the Son of God as your very best friend.  And this is a gift from God Himself, as Scripture tells us: “He is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with His Son, even Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9 TLB)

   You are never going to find a friend who is more loyal, loving, giving, or able than Jesus.  And if you will walk closely with Him on a moment-by-moment basis – asking for His guidance and grace every step of the way – You will have everything you need to live the abundant life that He died to give you. (John 10:10)  I can honestly say, “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.”  Can you do the same?

   Lord, today I receive You as my best friend and shepherd.  Draw me into a deeply personal and eternal relationship with You.  Work in my heart so that I will seek You first whenever I have a need of any kind.  Teach me how to hear and heed Your voice in every situation and circumstance.  Thank You that as I give You first place in my life, I will always have more than enough! 

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