Pastor, when you grow weary, you must see that a minister’s weariness isn’t a failure of faithfulness. Weariness results from the reality of our limits. We must acknowledge those limits. If we’re dishonest about our imperfections and insufficiencies, we’ll never be able to appreciate or enjoy God’s perfect sufficiency.

I have an outdated cell phone; it’s several versions old. It doesn’t have the latest hardware or capabilities, and it always needs to be recharged. My old phone is a constant reminder of a timeless lesson: I need regular recharging too.

At some point during your pastoral ministry, you’ll experience fatigue. Neither faithfulness in small things nor the godly ambition to do great things will protect you from weariness. No amount of training nor academic preparation will insulate you from getting tired. Our need for regular recharging is a foundational reality of our walk with the Lord. David demonstrates this truth and God’s care for us in Psalm 23:3 when he writes, “He restores my soul.”

Limitations of Sheep

When David says, “The LORD is my shepherd,” (v. 1), he assumes the position of a sheep. Sheep have considerable limitations. They can drown from drinking water because their noses are so close to their mouths. Sheep also have a skittish and easily worried temperament, poor eyesight, and no natural defenses against the host of vicious natural predators that are rarely far away.

We too have an easily worried disposition. Even faithful ministers can feel overwhelmed by the challenges in our lives. We can lack proper spiritual eyesight—our perspective is easily clouded by our desires and ambitions or colored by our culture’s popular sentiments. When our limitations are laid alongside the challenges that await around us, it’s clear we’re unable to guarantee our own physical, emotional, and spiritual safety. Even shepherds are like sheep and need the Shepherd’s care.

Faithfulness of the Shepherd

One of the most compelling components of Psalm 23 is what David communicates about what the Shepherd knows. The Good Shepherd knows sheep need green grass and still water. He understands his sheep’s needs. The sheep never have to tell the Shepherd they’re thirsty, hungry, or tired. He knows.

This makes our relationship with God meaningfully different from any other relationship.

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