We’re facing a unique cultural challenge. Americans are more connected but feel lonely, isolated, and depressed. We’re safer than we’ve ever been, but have grown more anxious and afraid. We can access a global network of endless information, yet we’re confused and misinformed. Therapy, 12-step programs, online courses and a gazillion books are available. But Americans are anxious, addicted, and exhausted. 

The pressure has proven too much for some. Suicide rates are through the roof, doubling for women, and tripling for young women ages 10—14, who are three times more likely to take their own life this year. Mental health is deteriorating. One in six Americans take anti-depressants. Others simply self-medicate. 

And things don’t appear to be slowing down. We’re already knee deep in a presidential election year. A strange new viral outbreak has swept the world. And the mounting economic pressure is threatening Wall Street. Words like “recession” and “pandemic” are being thrown out, adding to the panic. We’re facing a cultural crisis.      

We’re witnessing the most anxious and exhausting period in human history, with no help on the horizon from the “experts.” If you’re like me and struggle to see how these issues are impacting you personally, let me ask you a few questions: 

• Do you feel weary and exhausted most of the time? 
• Do anxiety and fear dominate your thoughts of the future?  
• Are seasons of spiritual dryness the norm for you?

If your answer is a chronic “yes,” you’re not alone. In fact, according to research, you’re a normal American. But God didn’t offer us “normal.” He promised a “more abundant life.” So I wonder if you might consider a possibility with me. Multiple complexities and unique circumstances mark our lives that sometimes make us defensive in discussions like this. But the Lord is intimately acquainted with them all and offers us all the same truths. So here goes a blunt diagnosis:

Maybe we need a better shepherd. There, I said it. I’m not talking about ditching your pastor. That’s another article for another day.  

I’m talking about something else. Whether you go to church or not, you have a shepherd. We all do. Someone is leading us. Someone is guiding us down a path, but it may not lead to the rest, nourishment, and growth that we need in order to flourish.

About 3,000 years ago David wrote a poem about his relationship to God that became one of the most famous chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23. David was the king of Israel. A mighty warrior, a skilled musician, and a courageous shepherd. He knew about sheep and he used that image to describe God’s care for his people. I call it, “The Good Life.” Check it out: A Psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. ³ He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake… 

Maybe you’ve heard that Psalm when someone was sick or dying, or at a funeral. That’s not the only use for Psalm 23. In fact, that’s not even the best use. This Psalm is not about dying. It’s about living!

The message is beautiful and simple. There’s no “to do” list. Just powerful realities flowing from a simple declaration. "The LORD is my shepherd.” Therefore: 

I lack nothing. I am at rest. I am nourished. I am restored. My life is headed in the ‘right’ direction. All because of my shepherd. Sound like a sweet life?

I’m not talking about your ‘best life’ or anything like that. No promise of a private jet or yacht. This is not prosperity gospel. It’s a well-ordered life marked by trust and peace. It’s not an easy or sheltered life. The rest of the Psalm describes dark valleys and fierce enemies. But the presence of the shepherd colors those conditions.   

So here’s my question: What ‘voice’ is shaping your life? Who is your shepherd? Who is leading and feeding you? Where are they taking you? If we don’t ask ourselves those questions, we’re careless—maybe even foolish.   

YOU’VE GOT THIS voices look for discontentment. This is the seductive, self-help message convincing you how awesome you are—or should be. It usually comes with a social media platform, complete with before and after pictures, a best selling book, coffee mugs, and throw pillows. Far from reminding you that “you lack nothing,” these voices are happy to point out what is lacking in your life: More beauty. More money. More freedom. More recognition. More, more, more! You can BE MORE and DO MORE—a self-made success! “Get out there and make it happen!” 

But when pointing us to our need for guidance, wisdom, and correction, God used a humbling picture. A sheep. Think about that. Not a tiger. Not a lion. Not a dragon or an eagle. A sheep. It’s hard to believe you’re awesome when you can fall over and not recover without help, walk off a cliff, starve, get eaten by a wolf, or just get lost and wander off. Sheep are helpless. But under the care of a good shepherd, they thrive. So, my advice? Watch out for that ‘self-help’ voice. It will leave you either proud and condescending, or disappointed—with yourself, others, and with God.

Jesus didn’t tell his followers, “YOU’VE GOT THIS!” He said “I’ve got this!” Then he suffered and died in our place, rose from the grave, ascended, and sent His Spirit.   

Jesus said "I am the good shepherd. My sheep hear my voice. I lay down my life for the sheep.” That’s a refreshing, reassuring voice, isn’t it? The Shepherd who became a sheep and died for sinful people like you and me. That’s a shepherd I can get behind.   

And the best news of all? Anybody can get in on this flock! Some of the most unlikely people have. Dirty sheep. Mean sheep. Foolish sheep. Hurt sheep. This shepherd will receive anyone. All you need to do is turn around and follow his voice. Do you hear it? 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lovely in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

Click here to listen to Pt. I of the Good Life message.