The Shepherd Who Leads Us: Walking Through December Together
Pastor Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 10 December 2025
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Welcome to Day 10.
We have reached double figures in our Advent countdown. By this point in the month, life can often feel like it is moving at a hundred miles an hour. There are presents to buy, food to prepare, nativity plays to attend, and end-of-year deadlines to meet. It is easy to feel like we are just rushing from one thing to the next, hoping we don't forget anything important along the way.
In the middle of this frantic pace, Psalm 23 comes like a deep, calming breath.
It is likely the most famous passage in the entire Bible. We hear it at funerals, we see it on posters, and many of us learnt it by heart in Sunday School. But because it is so familiar, we sometimes miss the raw power of what David is saying.
David was a shepherd himself. He knew that sheep are not particularly clever animals. They are prone to wandering off, getting lost, or eating things they shouldn't. Without a shepherd, a sheep is in big trouble.
When David calls the Lord his "shepherd," he is acknowledging that he cannot navigate life on his own. He needs a guide.
The phrase "God With Us" takes on a very active meaning here. He isn't just with us as a spectator; He is with us as a leader. He is out in front, clearing the path and showing us the way.
Look at where He leads us. He leads us to "green pastures" and "quiet waters." This feels almost impossible in December. Our world is currently full of noise, bright lights, and crowded shops. Yet God promises that even now, He can lead us to a place of rest. He invites us to stop running for a moment and let Him refresh our souls.
He also guides us along the "right paths." This is such a reassurance when we have difficult decisions to make. Life is full of crossroads. We worry about our careers, our families, and our futures. We are terrified of taking a wrong turn. But the promise here is that if we keep our eyes on the Shepherd, He will ensure we walk the right way. We don't have to map out the entire journey ourselves; we just have to follow the One who knows the terrain.
Crucially, He does this "for his name’s sake." This means His reputation is staked on His ability to lead you safely. He isn't going to get lost. He isn't going to abandon you halfway up a mountain.
So, as you step out into your day today, try to picture the Shepherd walking ahead of you. Whether you are walking into a stressful meeting, a difficult family situation, or just the chaos of the supermarket, you are not wandering aimlessly. You are being led. God is with you in every single step.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Good Shepherd. We confess that we often try to go our own way and end up feeling tired and lost. Thank You that You offer us rest and guidance. Please lead us beside quiet waters today, even in the middle of a busy season. Help us to trust that You are guiding our steps and that You will never lead us astray. Amen.