“The Lord is my Shepherd” (Ps. 23:1).
Not long ago, a farmer in our congregation offered me a sack full of his commodities. This included tomatoes, apples, farm-fresh eggs and a frozen package of lamb chops. My wife and I turned this bag of farm produce into an excellent meal later that night. However, sitting at the table, we also began to reflect on the ease of our repast and the huge gap that has developed between knowing where our food comes from and actually enjoying it.
In fact, most people in America are now far removed from farm life. Most people today have no idea what it takes to raise a crop, raise cattle, or to gather the daily chicken eggs. All we know is we go to the grocery store when we are hungry.
Yet, the 23rd Psalm still resonates with farm-fresh imagery. The idea that we have a Good Shepherd watching over us is comforting while also challenging. We probably never have met a shepherd, yet we feel we know what shepherds do. Shepherds watch sheep. They care for the flock. They go in search of the lost one. They protect and defend.
This psalm resonates with teenagers because they are in a stage of life when guidance and protection is paramount. They want help with major life decisionsm, and there are times when teens can feel lost, lonely and afraid. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who comforts and comes alongside. Remind your teens of Jesus’ love this week—or read the Psalm. It’s one of their favorites.
