The Open Heaven 19 October 2025 devotional for today is THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
MEMORISE:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalms 23:1
READ: Psalms 23:1-6:
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 19 OCTOBER 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
David was a shepherd boy before Samuel anointed him as Israel’s king. In fact, Samuel had to send for him while he was taking care of his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Hence, he fully understood what it meant to be a shepherd, and that was why he acknowledged God as his shepherd in today’s Bible reading.
Sheep enjoy many blessings under their shepherd. Our Lord is, however, not just a shepherd; He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Beloved, before the blessings of the Good Shepherd can be yours, He must be your Lord, and you must be His sheep. God does not shepherd those who are lords of themselves, neither does He shepherd goats.
These are some of the blessings of having the Lord as your shepherd:
1. You will never lack rest. David said in Psalm 23:2, “He maketh me to lie down…” When you are God’s sheep, you will not lack sleep. God gives His beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2).
2. You will be well-fed. Hunger is a stranger to God’s sheep because He causes them to lie down in green pastures (Psalm 23:2). Psalm 63:5 says, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness…”
3. Your thirst will be satisfied because He will lead you beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
4. You will never lack restoration (Psalm 23:3). In Joel 2:23-26, God promised that He will restore the years that the cankerworm and caterpillar have eaten. No matter what you lose, you are assured of total restoration when the Lord is your shepherd.
5. You will not lack guidance because He will lead you in the paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:12- 13). With the Holy Spirit in charge of your life, you will have absolutely nothing to worry about.
6. You will have nothing to fear because you will enjoy God’s divine presence. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil, for He will be with you (Psalm 23:4). In Hebrews 13:5, He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.
Beloved, acknowledge the Lord as your shepherd in every area of your life. Entrust your life to Him completely, and you will enjoy these blessings and many more. I pray that the Lord will truly manifest Himself in your life, in Jesus’ name.
REFLECTION
Is the Lord your shepherd?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Mark 14
HYMN 5: BLESSED ASSURANCE
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 19 OCTOBER 2025 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Psalm 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
This is a personal confession of absolute trust and surrender. It is not “The Lord is a shepherd” but “my shepherd.” This personal relationship is the foundation for the promise of “I shall not want”—a life free from all lack, because the One who owns everything has taken full responsibility for you.
BIBLE READING: Psalms 23:1-6
This entire psalm is a detailed covenant between the Shepherd and His sheep, outlining the comprehensive care package that comes with being under His protection and provision. Each verse reveals a new dimension of His faithful guardianship.
The Covenant of the Good Shepherd
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, drawing from David’s intimate knowledge of shepherding, unveils the profound blessings reserved for those who truly belong to the flock of the Good Shepherd. This is not a generic promise for all, but a specific covenant for those who have willingly submitted to His Lordship and ownership.
The Prerequisite for the Blessings
The blessings of Psalm 23 are not automatic. They are contingent upon a personal, surrendered relationship:
- He must be your Shepherd: You must acknowledge His ownership and leadership over your life.
- You must be His sheep: You must adopt the posture of a sheep—dependent, trusting, obedient, and listening to His voice (John 10:27). God does not shepherd independent, self-willed “goats.”
The Sixfold Blessing of His Flock
1. The Blessing of Perfect Rest (v. 2a)
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…”
A shepherd makes his sheep lie down only when they are free from fear, friction, hunger, and pests. This is a promise of divinely orchestrated peace and freedom from anxiety. It is the fulfillment of Psalm 127:2—”He giveth his beloved sleep.”
2. The Blessing of Complete Provision (v. 2b)
“…he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
The Shepherd doesn’t just provide; He provides the best (“green pastures”) and leads to safe, drinkable water (“still waters”). This speaks of provision that is both abundant and accessible, satisfying every hunger and thirst of the spirit and soul (Matthew 5:6).
3. The Blessing of Total Restoration (v. 3a)
“He restoreth my soul…”
The Shepherd actively mends the broken, heals the wounded, and renews the weary. He specializes in restoring lost joy, peace, and strength. This is the promise of Joel 2:25—He will restore the years that have been stolen or lost.
4. The Blessing of Righteous Guidance (v. 3b)
“…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
You will never be lost or confused about God’s will. The Shepherd leads you on paths that honor Him and fulfill your destiny. This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13).
5. The Blessing of Fearless Security (v. 4)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…”
The Shepherd’s presence transforms the darkest valley into a mere passageway. His rod (for defense) and staff (for guidance) are your assurance. This is the practical outworking of Hebrews 13:5—His unwavering presence banishes all fear.
6. The Blessing of Overflowing Abundance (v. 5-6)
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies… my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
The Shepherd doesn’t just protect you from enemies; He promotes you in their presence. His blessing is so abundant it overflows, and His covenant kindness (goodness) and loyal love (mercy) pursue you relentlessly all your days.
The Call to Personal Surrender
These blessings are not for observers but for participants. They are activated by a deliberate act of faith and surrender.
Pray this:
“Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. I acknowledge today that I am Your sheep. I surrender my will and my way to You. I trust You to lead me, provide for me, protect me, and restore me. From this day forward, I declare, ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ Thank You for the covenant of peace, provision, and purpose that is now mine. In Your name, I pray. Amen.”
Action Steps:
- Identify Your ‘Want’: What is causing you anxiety or a sense of lack? Verbally release it to your Shepherd.
- Memorize the Psalm: Hide Psalm 23 in your heart. Recite it daily as a confession of your trust.
- Listen for His Voice: Spend quiet time each morning listening for the guidance of your Shepherd through His Word and His Spirit.
- Testify of His Faithfulness: Share with others how the Good Shepherd is meeting your needs and leading you.
Remember: The quality of your life as a believer is directly proportional to your willingness to be shepherded. Resisting the Shepherd leads to lack; surrendering to Him leads to a life where want is abolished.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1). Make this your reality today.
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