Day 1: The Shepherd Who Knows You

Reading: Psalm 23; John 10:1-18

Devotional: "The Lord is my shepherd" begins with a posture of humility. Like David, we must recognize our position as sheep dependent on our Shepherd. Many of us resist this image, preferring self-sufficiency over surrender. Yet Jesus declares He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name. Are you running ahead like a distracted dog on a trail, constantly pulled away by every distraction? Or are you walking closely beside the One who guides you beside still waters? Today, acknowledge the areas where you've been trusting yourself instead of your Shepherd. His rod and staff are meant to comfort and protect you, not restrict you. Surrender control and discover the peace that comes from following closely.