It has been said the most important word in the twenty-third psalm is the fourth one. “The Lord is my shepherd.” If the fourth word isn’t true, then the rest of the Psalm can’t be true.

We aren’t saved because God gave us the gift of salvation. We are saved because we personally choose to receive the gift God gave. Our relationship to God is a personal decision and a personal priority. We don’t return God’s love until we choose to. Genuine love is freely given.

God wants to be our shepherd so he can care for us, protect us, and lead us. He wants us to have the things we need. He plans to provide those things. He is a good, good Father. 

If the Lord is your shepherd, you can rest in the security of knowing you are cared for, protected, and led by God’s Spirit. You are God’s child, and your life will always be his high priority. 

Do you choose to return his love by making him your highest priority in life?

Do you make the personal decisions that honor his plan for your life and humbly submit to his perfect guidance? Your best life is found in belonging to God’s flock and following your divine shepherd.

Our personal relationship with God needs to be our personal priority. We cannot serve “two masters” and say, “The Lord is my shepherd.” God’s priorities are wisdom, and our priorities can be our wisdom if we allow ourselves to be led by our Shepherd. 

Wisdom is making your personal relationship with God your personal priority. The green pastures and still waters ahead will be your personal reward as a result.