Which Shepherd? (Revised from 3/28/25)

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil

one. 1 John 5:19 NIV

We all follow a shepherd. Every day, something is leading our thoughts, shaping our desires,

and influencing our choices. And we don’t always choose the right Shepherd. After you read the

choices below, ask yourself, whose voice am I following?

The world is my keeper. It promises everything I want. It never lets me rest—only run. It leads

me to strive, hustle, climb, and perform because it says nothing good is found at the bottom. It

drains the life out of me. It lets me choose whatever path I want—no truth, no boundaries, no

compass, just me and my appetites.

Even when I walk through chaos and conflict, fear and comparison, I'm told this is normal.

Everyone else is just as tired, just as empty, and that's supposed to be comforting. The world

keeps piling more on me: more pressure, more perfection, more pretending.

But as long as I look like I've got it together, I'm winning. At least, that's what I'm told. Surely,

chaos and emptiness will shadow me all my days. But hey, that's life. I'll keep chasing the next

thing, bowing to the god of more.

Forever seeking. Forever striving. Never satisfied. Amen.

But there is another Shepherd.

The Lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He makes

me rest. He leads me beside still waters. He settles my anxious heart. He restores my soul. He

brings me back when I wander. He leads me in paths of righteousness, not for my reputation,

but for His name's sake.

Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death—when things are dark, uncertain,

and terrifying—I will not fear, because You are with me. Your rod corrects me. Your staff guides

me. You comfort me.

You prepare a table for me—in front of the very ones who wish me harm. You anoint my head

with oil. You call me chosen. My cup overflows. Surely, Your goodness and mercy will chase me

down all the days of my life. And I will live with You—in Your presence, in Your peace, in Your

house—forever. Amen.

Every day, both shepherds call your name.

One voice leads to life. The other only promises it.

Choose the One who loves you. (Isaiah 43:4)

Choose the One who is Truth. (John 14:6)

Choose the One who came that you might have life.

You are loved!