The Shepherd Who Never Fails

By: Abraham Deng

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

Whenever I read these words, my heart is transported back to my childhood in Rumbek, South Sudan.

More Than a Cow

Growing up in the Dinka culture, every child was given responsibilities at an early age. One of the greatest gifts a father could give his son was a cow. In many ways, it was like opening a college savings account for a child here in the United States. My father gave me my own cow while I was still very young. As the years passed, that cow produced calves, and my herd gradually multiplied. By the time a young man was ready to marry, those cows would become part of the dowry paid for his bride. Receiving a cow was more than a gift—it was a lesson in stewardship, responsibility, and preparing for the future.

Learning to Be a Shepherd

As a six- or seven-year-old second grader, my school day didn’t end when the final bell rang. After school, my brothers and I took turns taking our family’s cows and sheep out to graze. During the summer break, it became an all-day responsibility.

Even at that young age, I understood what it meant to be a shepherd. It was my responsibility to lead the animals to green pastures where there was enough grass to eat, find clean water for them to drink, and constantly watch for hyenas and other wild animals that could attack the flock. Their well-being depended on the shepherd’s care, guidance, and protection.

When the Lord Is Your Shepherd

That is why King David’s words in Psalm 23 have always been so personal to me. David, who had once been a shepherd himself, humbled himself by comparing his own life to a sheep completely dependent on God. He boldly declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

What a comforting truth! When the Lord is your Shepherd, you never walk alone. He knows where to lead you. He provides exactly what you need. He protects you from dangers you cannot see. He restores your soul, gives you peace in the midst of life’s storms, and faithfully walks with you through every season.

As you begin this week, I want to encourage you to trust your Good Shepherd. Whatever challenge, uncertainty, or burden you are carrying today, remember that the One who leads you never loses sight of His sheep. You can rest in His care because His love never fails.

A Child’s Faith, A Timeless Promise

Every evening, our family ends our prayer time with the joyful words of our four-year-old son, Joshua. With childlike faith he confidently declares,

At Creation museum in Williamshown,KY

“ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.”