Jehovah Rohi – The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23:1
Main Scripture:
Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Introduction: A Shepherd and His Sheep
In the ancient world, kings were often called shepherds, but David — a shepherd himself — chose to say:
“The Lord is MY Shepherd.”
This name, Jehovah Rohi, reveals God’s heart — not as a distant ruler or a harsh master — but as a gentle, personal, attentive guide.
It’s a name that speaks to relationship, leadership, provision, and care.
1. Jehovah Rohi Leads with Care
📖 Psalm 23:2-3
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…”
A shepherd doesn’t drive sheep from behind — he leads from the front, making sure the path is safe and the flock is fed.
- Green pastures = nourishment
- Still waters = peace
- Restored soul = healing
Jesus echoes this in John 10:11:
📖 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
💡 Application:
Are you exhausted, spiritually dry, or anxious? Let Jehovah Rohi lead you beside the still waters again. Make time to rest in His presence.
2. Jehovah Rohi Guides with Wisdom
📖 Psalm 23:3b
“…He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Sheep are notorious for wandering. They need constant direction. So do we.
God doesn’t just lead us to peace, He leads us in the right path — even when it’s narrow, even when it’s unfamiliar.
His name — Jehovah Rohi — guarantees that His guidance is based on His character, not our merit.
💡 Application:
Ask yourself: Am I following the Shepherd, or just asking Him to follow me?
Trust that His path — even if winding — leads to righteousness and purpose.
3. Jehovah Rohi Stays Close in the Valley
📖 Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…”
Notice: the verse doesn’t say you won’t walk through valleys — it says you won’t walk alone.
- Shadows can’t hurt you.
- Fear loses power when Presence is near.
In the valley, David shifts from talking about God (“He”) to talking to God (“You”). That’s what valleys do — they bring us closer to the Shepherd.
💡 Application:
Are you in a valley today — grief, doubt, loss, depression?
Jehovah Rohi doesn’t send you through the valley. He walks you through it.
4. Jehovah Rohi Provides and Protects
📖 Psalm 23:5-6
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”
The Shepherd not only protects from wolves — He blesses you in front of them.
- Enemies don’t disappear, but they become witnesses to God’s favor.
- The cup isn’t just full — it overflows.
And the final promise?
📖 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
God’s goodness is not occasional — it’s a daily companion.
💡 Application:
Look back over your life. Hasn’t Jehovah Rohi been faithful?
Even in pain, He provided. Even in confusion, He guided. His mercy still pursues you.
Closing Encouragement
You may feel like:
- a wandering sheep
- a wounded lamb
- or a weary traveler
But today, the Shepherd is calling your name.
Jehovah Rohi is not just “The Shepherd.”
He is “MY Shepherd.”
That one word — “my” — turns theology into relationship.
It means He sees you, He knows you, and He’s leading you.
Closing Prayer
Jehovah Rohi, our Good Shepherd,
Thank You for leading us, feeding us, and restoring us.
Forgive us when we wander, and bring us back to Your path of righteousness.
In our valleys, let us sense Your presence. In our victories, help us stay humble.
Teach us to follow Your voice above all others.
May Your goodness and mercy follow us all our days.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.