Jeremy L. Berg

During Advent in 2013 we examined Psalm 23 in a sermon series entitled Who’s Your Shepherd? It remains one of my favorite series we’ve done to date. I contended that when we let God be the guide, or shepherd, directing our lives and influencing our decisions, He leads us to green pastures of the “abundant life” and to calm inner waters of the soul.

On the other hand, when we give other things control of our lives, these “idols” or “false shepherds” will ruthlessly drive us and prod us toward barren pastures that cannot satisfy us and toxic waters that poison our souls.

During the final Sunday in the series, I discussed some of the most common false shepherds at work among us. After the sermon I invited people to name their false shepherd by writing it on a scrap of paper and bringing it to the cross during communion.

At the last minute, I also said we would have an open microphone at the front near the cross and if anyone was courageous enough they were welcome to confess their false shepherd aloud. I didn’t really think anyone would feel like getting that honest in front of the entire church. So, when a line of MainStreeters formed behind the microphone and people started naming their false shepherds out loud and asking God to replace them, it was very moving! It remains one of my all-time favorite moments at MainStreet, seeing the safe, grace-filled place we have cultivated to make such sharing possible.

I also took time to rewrite Psalm 23 to reflect the reality when other things are given the opportunity to be our shepherds. May they heighten our awareness of their power and lead us to recommit ourselves to being led by the Good Shepherd. See below.

FALSE SHEPHERDS: FINANCES

Financial stress is my shepherd, 

there’s never enough to pay the bills.

It keeps me awake at night.

It leaves me paralyzed with fear.
I’m worn out just thinking about it.

It drives me to do things that don’t honor God.

We’re so far in the hole, 

we’ll never dig ourselves out.

I’m so scared to death, 

I feel so alone.

The bill collectors keep calling, 

they make me feel so ashamed and helpless.

I don’t know how we’re going to 

keep putting food on the table.

You gives me a constant nagging headache,

My tank is completely empty. 

Surely this struggle and anxiety will haunt me 

all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in this state of restlessness 

and despair forever.

FALSE SHEPHERDS: ADDICTION

This addiction is my shepherd, the craving is always there.

This addiction gives me only momentary satisfaction.

It leaves me always needing more.

I feel like it owns my very soul.

It is guiding me on a path 

that leads to destruction. 

Even when I think I’ve made it 

through the darkest valley, 

your evil presence 

is still with me.

Your power and influence drive me like a slave master, 

you torment me. 

You set a snare for me, lure me in 

and devour me. 

You over promise and under deliver.

You leave me empty. 

Surely your control and empty promises will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in this state of dependency 

forever.

FALSE SHEPHERDS:WORRY

Worry is my shepherd, I can’t turn it off.

Worry never lets me lie down and rest,

It leads me beside waterfalls of “what ifs.”

Worry torments my soul.

Worry guides me down safe paths only,

I’m afraid to step out, embrace change, really live!

Worry makes even minor trials seem like

the valley of the shadow of death.

I let fear drive my decisions,

and I forget that you are with me.

You invade my thoughts,

and take away my peace of mind.

You play out the worst case scenario 

in every situation, driving my loved ones crazy.

You give me a migraine,

medication seems my only defense.

Surely worry and anxiety will follow me 

all the days of my life,

and I will have to live with these uncontrollable thoughts forever.

FALSE SHEPHERDS:DEPRESSION 

Depression is my shepherd.  

I deserve nothing.

I have no right to lie down; 

even the weather conspires to make my life miserable.

My soul is beaten down.

I have no one to follow and lack the energy to 

make my own way.

My mind is filled with dark thoughts.  

I fear constantly.  

I am alone with no one to comfort me.

Every place I go, my enemies are there.  

I can feel their eyes on me. 

Their laughter is surely directed at me.

Surely apathy and unworthiness will keep me alone in my room forever.