Following Our Shepherd

"...He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul" (Psalm 23:2b NIV; italics mine).

This time of year with all the rushing about to buy presents, parties, decorating, cooking and many more commitments, it is tiring.  Exhausted, spent, the joy disapperaing and replaced with despair.  There is so much to do.  In all this the real meaning of the celebration of Christmas gets lost.  Add to this the everyday issues facing you and it is no wonder that this season is a season when many people become depressed. We sing, "Joy to The World," but our hearts are not in it.  Does any of this reflect your life at this time of year?  If it does, you are not alone.  Let's then remember the child in the manger.  This little baby boy, Immanuel is His name, God With Us! He is more than a baby; He is our Great Shepherd.

The 23rd Psalm begins with "The LORD is my shepherd" (vs. 1a).  In those words, we express total giving of our selves to His absolute love and patience.  Our Good Shepherd  can be demonstrated by observing what shepherds do.  the shepherd would bring the flock home to the fold at night. He would then lie down in the gate physically to protect the sheep from wolves coming into the sheepfold.  He literally put his life on the line for the sheep.  He searches for wandering sheep, makes sure of their grooming, shears them, and feeds them.  Most of all He leads them and protects them.  This is the picture of our Good Shepherd.

In the midst of our turmoil the Good Shepherd leads us to a place of refreshing.  To green pastures, there we are comforted.  This "Valley of the shadow of death," (vs 4a NIV; italics mine), those things which are afflicting you, giving the feeling of despair.  Hallelujah, Our protector Good Shepherd will triumph and we will sing,"O death Where Is Thy Sting?" We have the gracious presence of our God and LORD, the Great Shepherd.  He is saying to you, "Come lie down on this green grass and look upon the still water and refresh your soul.  The promise given to us by the Psalmist, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life." (vs. 6a NIV; italics mine). 

Who is the Great Shepherd?  Jesus gave us the answer.  Jesus speaking says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (John 10:14 NIV; italics mine). As in "real life" sheep know their masters' voice, from all other shepherds, they know the sound of their shepherd master.  They know his care, and trust in him.  We too can trust our Shepherd.  Looking back at the mercy shown to us leads us to desire to remain close to our Shepherd.  When we as sheep listen to the voice of Jesus our Shepherd He gives this promise, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me, I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them form my hand" (John 10:27 NIV; italics mine).  More than external things, more than emotional comfort, with all of that He gives more: eternal life.

Take time to rest, physically, emotionally, and stay in His Word daily.  Listen to your great shepherd, He knows your every need, and is willing and able to meet that need.  If we have slipped back in our faith, reconsider your faith, do as Peter writes, "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25 NIV; italics mine).  Return now and find rest, He wants to lead you to still waters where refreshing can be found.  Will you let Him lead you?

Daily Prayer:

I come into your presence LORD with a grateful heart for all that you have done for me.  Your very presence, in my life, as my Good Shepherd, knowing in faith, I shall not want.  Lord, increase my faith and forgive my wandering from you.  Use my life to show others to you the Savior, groom me, lead me.  May you receive the glory and honor.                                     Amen