As I approach 2017, I suppose one of my biggest thoughts is a little unusual. That thought is that: I hope to draw closer to my Shepherd this year.

I will never forget the night 20+ years ago that my earthly father said the 23rd Psalm from memory to me. Something had went terribly wrong after a cancer surgery and he swelled literally double, late in the night. Something had come loose inside him and it seemed that he would die before they could get him back into surgery. But as my father spoke those sacred words, you could literally see the room lighten with Angelic power as my father was supernaturally healed.

I did not even know my father knew the Shepherd’s psalm, much less that he could say it by heart. But as he spoke those special words all those years ago, the holy presence of God was as real to us, as it was for Moses at the burning bush.

About 6 years ago, when God rescued me from the hell of alcoholic addiction, I realized in a deeper way how God is my Shepherd and that He faithfully guides me through even the most difficult places in life.

So, I started a new practice. Nearly every night I include the 23rd Psalm in my prayers, which I literally say on my knees. Jesus called Himself “The Good Shepherd” in John 10:11. So, I say this Psalm prayerfully to Jesus, my good Shepherd.

Spiritually, I am completely dependent on my Shepherd for leadership, guidance and provision. So as I approach this new year, while I have many personal and professional goals for the year. No goal is more important than my spiritual development.

I recently read a book “A shepherd looks at Psalm 23” by Philip Yancey… What a warm refreshing embrace of this sacred writing.

I pray that God help me draw closer to Him, as my Shepherd in 2017. And my prayer for you is that you also, discover Him, as your caring Shepherd also. Happy New Year.