The God who is Jehovah Rohi
Psalm 23
St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
March 8, 2026
Rev. Juvenal Cervantes
One night I dreamed I was walking
along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that
during the low periods of my life, when I was
suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,”You promised me
Lord, that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods
of my life there have only been
one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you.”
– Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson, 1939
Introduction
If God is your shepherd, you will never be alone. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through different names that describe His character and how He cares for His people. One of the most comforting names of God is Jehovah Rohi, which means “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
This name is beautifully expressed in Psalm 23, written by King David, who himself had been a shepherd. David understood the responsibility, love, and protection a shepherd gives to his sheep. When he said “The Lord is my shepherd,” he was declaring a personal relationship with God.
In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, the truth that God is our Shepherd gives us peace, direction, and hope.
1. The Shepherd Provides
Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
A good shepherd makes sure his sheep have everything they need.
Sheep cannot survive alone. They depend completely on the shepherd for food, water, and safety. In the same way, we depend on God for everything.
God provides: Physical needs, Spiritual nourishment, Emotional strength, Guidance for life.
Jesus reaffirmed this truth in Matthew 6:26, reminding us that if God cares for the birds of the air, how much more will He care for us.
When the Lord is our Shepherd, we lack nothing that truly matters.
2. The Shepherd Leads
Psalm 23:2–3
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Sheep often wander and easily get lost. Without guidance, they can fall into danger.
The Shepherd leads them to:
Green pastures — places of nourishment
Still waters — places of peace
Right paths — places of safety
God leads His people through:
His Word
His Spirit
Wise counsel
Life circumstances
Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, saying:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
Through Christ, God personally leads His people.
3. The Shepherd Protects
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; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Sheep face many dangers: Wolves, Harsh terrain, Deep valleys, Darkness
But the shepherd walks with them. The rod was used to defend against predators. The staff was used to guide and rescue the sheep.
In life, we also walk through valleys: Fear, Loss, Suffering, Uncertainty
But we are not alone. The Shepherd walks with us. God does not promise the absence of valleys, but He promises His presence in them.
4. The Shepherd Blesses
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”
The shepherd not only protects but honors and blesses the sheep. Oil was used to: Heal wounds, Protect against insects, and bring comfort.
God blesses His people even in difficult situations. His blessings overflow beyond what we expect.
5. The Shepherd Promises Eternal Care
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
This is the final assurance of Jehovah Rohi:
His goodness walks with us
His mercy follows us
His presence awaits us forever
Our Shepherd does not abandon us in this life, and He does not leave us in eternity.
Through Jesus Christ, the Shepherd leads His flock all the way home.
Conclusion
The name Jehovah Rohi — The Lord Is My Shepherd reminds us that God:
Provides for our needs
Leads us in the right path
Protects us in danger
Blesses us abundantly
Promises eternal life
The question is not simply “Is God a Shepherd?”
The real question is:
“Is the Lord my Shepherd?”
David did not say “The Lord is a shepherd.”
He said “The Lord is my shepherd.”
That is a personal relationship.
When we trust and follow Him, we discover the comfort, guidance, and love of Jehovah Rohi.
Closing Challenge
Are you listening to the Shepherd’s voice? Are you following where He leads? Are you trusting His care? Because when the Lord is your Shepherd, you will never walk alone.