John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
In this context, “the good shepherd” is “good” because He “giveth his life for the sheep” and He doesn’t run away when trouble comes (John 10:11-13). So, it is certain that, in this life, great troubles like cold-hearted thieves (John 10:10) and ravenous wolves (John 10:12) will come upon us; but, it is even more certain that we will not face the thieves and wolves alone, but we can always lift up our spiritual eyes and see our “good shepherd” standing tall, protecting us and leading us and caring for us. Furthermore, our “good shepherd” knows us personally and loves us with a “great love” (Ephesians 2:4). And, through Spiritual Birth (John 3:1-8), our “good shepherd” has blessed us to know Him; that is to know Him with reverential awe and worshipful love. Because we know Him, we believe in Him and we believe Him. Because He has blessed us to know Him, we can declare with Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)! Those who know Him face their troubles with confidence and peace, knowing that the “good shepherd” is always near, and often prayerfully ask, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalms 116:12)!