Each anniversary we celebrate is an opportunity to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness to our church and to each of us. As we look back over these 42 years, we can see how God has been our faithful Shepherd, guiding, providing for, and sustaining us as we seek to share Jesus with the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).  

Just as Jesus shepherds His church, He also shepherds each of us personally. Psalm 23 gives us a beautiful picture of what it means to follow our Shepherd. Jesus is not only our Savior; He is our Shepherd who knows us, cares for us, and leads us.  

Our Shepherd provides. David says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). This does not mean that God gives us everything we want. It means we can trust Him to provide what we truly need. He knows our needs even before we ask and cares for us according to His perfect wisdom and timing (Philippians 4:19). Like sheep resting in green pastures, we can find peace when we learn to trust His provision (Psalm 23:2).  

Our Shepherd leads. He “leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Following Jesus means trusting His direction, even when His path is different from the one we would choose. Through our circumstances, decisions, and even difficult seasons, He continues to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.  

Our Shepherd stays. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that following Him does not mean we will never experience hardship. We will still walk through valleys of fear, uncertainty, and pain. But we never walk through them alone. Our security is not found in the absence of problems, but in the presence of our Shepherd. Even in the darkest valleys, He is with us.  

Our Shepherd pursues us. Psalm 23:5-6 reminds us of His goodness, mercy, and faithful provision. David knew that even through his failures, he could always return to God. His story reminds us that God’s goodness is greater than our failures and His mercy never runs out.  

After 42 years, we can look back and see how faithfully God has led, provided, and sustained His people. As we continue His mission, may we remain like sheep who know their Shepherd’s voice, trust His leading, depend on His provision, and follow Him wherever He leads.  

Because our Shepherd is faithful, His goodness will lead us, His mercy will sustain us, and His presence will never leave us.