Names of GodSample

Day 20: Jehovah-Raah – The Lord My Shepherd

Devotional:

In the tapestry of biblical names for God, few are as personal and comforting as Jehovah-Raah, translated as "The Lord is my Shepherd." Found in one of the most beloved psalms, Psalm 23, this name reveals God's tender, guiding, and protective nature. In Hebrew, "Raah" means to shepherd or to tend, implying not just oversight, but intimate care, vigilance, and nurture. To say, "The Lord is my shepherd" is to declare that the God of the universe is personally invested in your well-being and actively guiding every step of your journey.

1 – Why A Shepherd?

David, who penned Psalm 23, knew what it meant to be a shepherd. As a young boy, he watched over flocks in the wilderness, fighting off predators, rescuing straying sheep, and leading the flock to places of rest and nourishment. When David referred to God as his Shepherd, he wasn’t using poetic metaphor; he spoke from experience. He recognized that just as he had protected, guided, and cared for his sheep, God had done the same for him in moments of danger, decision, and distress.

This image of God as Shepherd runs throughout Scripture. In Genesis 48:15, Jacob describes God as the one who has been his shepherd all his life, even during wandering and hardship. In Isaiah 40:11, God is pictured as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms and gently leads those with young. Then, in the New Testament, Jesus boldly declares in John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." In Jesus, we see Jehovah-Raah embodied, a shepherd willing to suffer and die for the good of the flock.

2 – How Does He Lead?

A true shepherd doesn’t command from a distance; he walks closely with his sheep. He knows them intimately, by name, by need, by nature. He leads them through the unknown, stands guard against danger, and disciplines out of love. Psalm 23 declares this deeply relational and trustworthy guidance: green pastures for rest, still waters for refreshment, paths of righteousness for direction, and comfort in the darkest valleys. The shepherd is both protector and provider, fully present and fully engaged.

To embrace God as Jehovah-Raah is to rest in His presence and to surrender to His care. It is to release control and allow ourselves to be led, not mindlessly, but with trust in the One who sees beyond what we can see. Even when the terrain is rugged or unfamiliar, we follow knowing that the Shepherd has gone before us. His rod, a symbol of defense, and His staff, a tool of guidance, assure us that we are never out of His reach.

3 – Living Under Jehovah Raah

Many of us live scattered, anxious lives, trying to control outcomes, plan our paths, and secure our futures. But sheep were never meant to survive apart from the shepherd. We are created to follow, not to figure it all out. And the good news is, our Shepherd is not distant or distracted. He is near. He is attentive. He is wise and strong. He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies and anoints our heads with oil, a sign of blessing, favor, and healing.

In Jesus, Jehovah-Raah takes on flesh. He is the good shepherd and His sheep know His voice (John 10:10-18) He doesn’t just lead us, He carries us. He doesn’t just protect us, He redeems us. He doesn’t just know our path, He becomes the Way. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the gate for us to live in a relationship with the Shepherd forever. He knows our tendencies to stray and still chooses to pursue us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.

So today, let your heart rest in the truth that Jehovah-Raah is watching over you. You do not walk alone. You do not lack anything. The Shepherd is with you, before you, beside you, and behind you.

Prayer:

Jehovah Raah, my Shepherd, thank You for Your constant care and presence in my life. When I feel lost, You lead me; when I am weak, You strengthen me. You know my heart better than I do, and You lovingly guide me with wisdom and grace. Help me to trust Your voice above all others, to follow where You lead even when the path is uncertain, and to rest in the assurance that Your goodness and mercy surround me every day. I submit to Your leadership with joy, knowing You are both my protector and provider. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced God’s shepherding care in your life, physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
2. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to lead yourself instead of following God’s direction?
3. What would it look like today to slow down, listen for the Shepherd’s voice, and follow Him more intentionally?