First, he provides his sheep with everything (1-3) As the good shepherd provides his sheep with green pastures and the quiet streams to quench their thirst, so the Lord our good shepherd fed us with his abundant word and refreshed our weary soul with his holy spirit. He went ahead to guide us along the right path for his own name's sake all through 2016 and all our lifetime too. Second, he protects his sheep (4-5). These days we feel like walking through the darkest valleys with such threats as ISIS terror every moment. Yet we feared no evil in 2016 all through the year. For the Lord Mighty God was with us as Immanuel. His rod and staff were our comfort that protected us from evil and also guided and disciplined us. God made us more than conquerors in the presence of our enemies anointing us, filling our cup overflow (Rom 8:37). Third, he perseveres (6). The goodness and love of our Lord had followed us not only in 2016 but will follow also all the days of our life. We would dwell with the Lord forever in his kingdom.
Application: Lord, thank you Jesus for being my good shepherd all through 2016. I will lack nothing in coming years too!
One Word: The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing