Children, many years ago there lived a very great King in Israel. His name was King David.
King David did many wonderful things which showed he had much courage. He was deeply loved by God.
David was wonderful at playing the harp, and people came from miles around to listen to him as he strummed the harp and sang with a beautiful voice.
King David also made mistakes in his life. But even though he made mistakes, he never forgot the one great truth; that God loves him. And King David truly loved God.
King David wrote magnificent prayers called the Psalms. This prayers were put to music, and any time David wanted to talk to God, well, he could just take up his harp and play and sing.
The Psalms were given to us from a wonderful book from Israel called the Torah. It is a sacred book, and the Word of God.
One of the Psalms King David wrote was the beautiful Psalm, 'The Lord is my Shepherd.'
This Psalm tells us that God will always take care of us, night and day, at all times - just like the devoted shepherd of the sheep does.
If ever you need strength, comfort or courage in your life, why not pray this Psalm?
It is very easy to pray this Psalm. You can just read it, while thinking on the words in the Psalm.
While you are doing this, open your heart to God. Sometimes God will have a special message for you, and you will feel or hear God's Voice in your heart or your head.
Remember God is your Heavenly Father, and loves you very much.
Even if things can be difficult at times here on earth, He will never leave you without help.
King David wrote about the Good Shepherd. Many years later one of his descendents, Jesus, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.
Jesus is known at the Good Shepherd of us all. As Son of God, He searches for each of us to make sure we find the right path to Heaven.
We know Jesus is the Good Shepherd as He told us so, in the beautiful Gospel John Chapter 10, verse 11.
Jesus also told us he would lay down His Life for us. Jesus gave His life for us on the cross so that we could be free to enter Heaven to be with God and with Mary and Joseph, and with Him.
How great is Jesus.
Let us thank Jesus every day for being our Great and Good Shepherd.
Here is the wonderful Psalm 23 written by the great King David;
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
PSALM 23
'The Lord is my Shepherd,
There is nothing I shall want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in the path of righteousness,
for His Name's sake.
Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You have anointed my head with oil,
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.'
Image by Rev Catheirne
