Mensa Otabil - The Lord will Shepherd Us (10/07/2025)
I’ve talked about our relationship with God as our shepherd, and I want to return to that and emphasize that each day we have to trust the Lord to lead us. One of the things about life is that we must make choices and decisions all the time, and there are many things we don’t fully understand. That’s why we need the Lord to shepherd, guide, and lead us. This year, I want you to truly trust the Lord as your shepherd, to yield to Him, to submit to Him, and allow Him to guide your life to greener pastures.
If we want to increase and enjoy the good of the land, we have to trust the shepherd. In Ezekiel chapter 34, verse 31, it says, «You are my flock, the flock of my pasture; you are men, and I am your God,» says the Lord. Isn’t it interesting that God says, «You are my flock,» but He doesn’t say we are like animals? He says, «You are men; you are human beings, and I am God.» In this relationship, God becomes our shepherd, and we human beings become His flock. God uses this analogy to describe the relationship He desires to have with us. You are my flock; you are God’s flock; you belong to the Lord. Even if you attend church and belong to a congregation, you first and foremost belong to God before you are a member of a church. The Lord is your shepherd; you are His flock.
Because we are His flock, He leads us and helps us find our way as we navigate unknown places and situations. This year, may the Lord lead all of us through unknown places and situations that we cannot predict, for He knows the end from the beginning, and He will guide us. He leads us by the light of His word, with wisdom and insight. May the Lord grant us wisdom in all that we do. Not only does He lead us, but He keeps us; He protects us from all the wild beasts and the attacks of the enemy. This year, may the Lord keep each one of us, may He protect each one of us. May our journey be safe on the left and on the right; wherever we go, may we be secure in the light and in darkness, in the air, on the ground, and in the sea. May the Lord keep us.
Furthermore, one of the things that the shepherd does is feed the flock; He leads the flock to places of nourishment. This year, may the Lord nourish each one of us; may He feed our souls, our minds, and renew our strength. May He cause the light of His word to be food and guidance for us. For each one of us, God has provision. There are situations ahead of you that you don’t know about, but God has gone before you and made provision for you.
There are pastures in your future: pastures in January, pastures in February, and pastures throughout the year, from March to April, through to September, up to December. Every month, God will provide for you; He will lead you to pastures, and when you move from one month to another, He will continue to provide because He is your provider.All we need to do is trust Him. Just learn to trust God. Sometimes, when you don’t know what to do, simply trust Him.
Someone might ask, «How do I trust God?» Just say, «Lord, I trust You. Lord, I trust that You know what You’re doing, and You know how to guide me. Lord, my trust is in You; my hope is in You.» That should be your prayer. Constantly, when you go through uncertainty, just say, «Lord, I trust that You are working something good out of this for me» because He said, «All things work together for my good.» Trust the Lord; He will lead you, He will keep you, and He will feed you.
Let us pray. Say with me: Heavenly Father, You are the shepherd of my soul. Lead me, keep me, and feed me throughout this year. In Jesus' name, amen and amen. The Lord is your shepherd; you are His flock, and He will guide you. I am Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.