Under His Care: A 52-Week Journey with the Shepherd.

Freedom Leaders
Jan 5
2 min read

Week 1 - Presence: The Shepherd Who Is With You

Psalms 23:1

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Scripture Focus

Primary: Psalm 23:1
Supporting: John 10:14; Psalm 16:11

Shepherd’s Insight

Before David speaks about provision, peace, protection, or direction, he begins with relationship: “The Lord is my shepherd.” This opening line is not poetic filler, it is a declaration of presence. David is saying, God is not distant, distracted, or detached from my life. He is near. He is attentive. He is involved.

A shepherd does not lead from afar. He walks among the sheep. He knows their tendencies, their fears, and their needs. The safety of the sheep is not rooted in the pasture but in the nearness of the shepherd.

As we begin this journey, God is not first asking us to do more, fix more, or achieve more. He is inviting us to draw nearer. Spiritual formation always begins with proximity. We are shaped not primarily by what we do for God, but by how closely we walk with Him.

This week sets the tone for the entire year:Before direction, there is devotion.Before movement, there is intimacy. Before leadership, there is presence.

Formation Thought

Presence is the foundation of every other promise in Psalm 23. If the Shepherd is near, lack loses its voice.

Reflection Questions

When you think about God right now, do you see Him as near or distant? Why?
What tends to distract you most from being aware of God’s presence?
What would change in your daily decisions if you truly lived from the belief that the Lord is with you?

Prayer

Good Shepherd, I thank You that You are not far from me.

Help me become more aware of Your nearness in my everyday life.

Quiet every voice that competes with Yours,

and teach me to rest in Your presence before I rush into activity.

I choose to walk with You, not ahead of You. Amen.

Weekly Practice

Practice Presence.

Each day this week, take 5 intentional minutes with no agenda - no asking, no planning, no striving. Simply acknowledge God’s nearness and whisper:“Lord, You are my Shepherd.”