He guards me well

I lay down My life for the sheep. — John 10:15

During the quiet moments before a Sunday morning service, the organist played a hymn that was new to me. I turned to the page noted in the hymnal and read the words of the song “The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well,” a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 23:

The Lord my Shepherd guards me well,

And all my wants are fed:

Amid green pastures made to lie,

Beside still waters led.

My care-worn soul grows strong and whole

When God’s true path I tread.

No matter how often we read or hear the familiar 23rd Psalm, it seems to come with a fresh message of God’s care for us.

Though I should walk in darkest ways

Through valleys like the grave,

No evil shall I ever fear;

Your presence makes me brave.

On my behalf Your rod and staff

Assure me You will save. (© Hope Publishing Co.)

This image was familiar to the people who heard Jesus say, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Unlike a hired person who runs away from danger, the true shepherd stays with the sheep to protect them. “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd . . . sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees . . . . I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep” (vv.12-14).

No matter what you’re facing today, Jesus knows your name, He knows the danger, and He will not leave your side. You can say with confidence: The Lord my Shepherd guards me well! — David McCasland

READ: John 10:7-15

The Lamb who died to save us is

the Shepherd who lives to lead us.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 1-2

• 1 Timothy 3