Selah: Yield

As we continue a dive into Psalm 23 specifically from a leadership perspective – from the vantage point of influencing those with whom we connect, the message becomes enormously practical. The second leadership lesson from this psalm?

Before writing this psalm, David knew the blessings of God’s provision. He knew that in every circumstance, he could fully trust the Father to provide what God knew he needed, what was best for him, and what would ultimately be for the Father’s glory and others’ gain.

Whether in the boldness to stand for the God of Israel and slay a giant, or through Nathan’s confrontation that led to the admission of David’s moral failures, whether through the grief of losing a child, the triumph of victory in battle, or the betrayal of a son, David had personal experience in the power of his Shepherd providing what he needed, even in the toughest of moments and in the most challenging of circumstances. That provision included truth, rest, peace, freedom from chaos, and renewal, with guidance that ultimately brought honor to David and to his Shepherd.

To provide for those essential needs in David’s life, at the moments he required them most, David’s Shepherd needed to know him well enough to understand what he needed and when, just as every good shepherd does with his flock. God’s example demonstrates the importance of doing so even in challenging situations that require a shepherd’s focused attention. A good shepherd is indeed gentle and loving with their flock, but she or he is also problem solver, crisis manager, conflict mediator, and warrior, on behalf of the flock.

The same is true for us as leaders, no matter where we influence. Taking care of or furnishing or supplying the need of another, as appropriate for the person and the situation, seems easy to do, but the truth is if we’re not deeply connected to those we lead, we’ll miss knowing what they need. We’ll fall short as the shepherd leader they need in their lives. And, if we’re not deeply connected to our Good Shepherd, we will not have the internal fortitude required to address issues with grace and truth, tackling tough conversations and making difficult and unpopular decisions.

The welfare of a flock is entirely dependent on the management afforded them by their shepherd. True in leading literal sheep and true in shepherding at work, home, in the church, and when stewarding the mission of an organization, we need only review the account of Eli in 1 Samuel to understand the importance of this responsibility. What happened to the Jewish people and the Ark of the Covenant under Eli’s poor leadership, as well as to his family, clearly demonstrate the consequences of poor shepherding. We can also turn to the writings of prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Ezekiel, to additionally confirm this biblical truth.

Phillip Keller, shepherd, agronomist, photographer, and author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, moved among men and women from all strata of society. As both lay pastor and scientist, he became increasingly aware of one fact: It is the boss, the manager, the shepherd in people’s lives, the stewards of organizations, who make the difference in their destiny.

Although the concept applies differently dependent on the leadership role, selfless provision remains a biblical principle and a pivotal element of leading well. The bonus? As all biblically based principles, this responsibility is nimble and adjusts easily to the variety of needs and seasons of those entrusted to our care.