Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23: 4-6)

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Many times while on our missional journeys we have observed great flocks of sheep grazing on the wild and rugged mountainside with the shepherd always keeping a protective watch over his sheep. It is bitterly cold with a biting wind; chilling to the bone even in the hottest months of summer.

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Still, enduring unforgiving weather and treacherous terrain, the shepherd never leaves his sheep, ever watchful for danger on the mountainside. As daytime fades into evening, the shepherd calls to his flock; the sheep hear his voice and they begin their turn towards home.

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Isn't this like our Lord; the Great Shepherd? He is generous in His love for His children. When our life is bombarded with troubles and trials, when we experience betrayal from unexpected places, when we face illness or death of a loved one; God is there, ever watchful and always caring. He does not leave us to navigate the rugged terrain of life on our own. He anoints us with His precious presence, He holds us gently to His breast when we weep and mourn. He heals the broken hearted, much like the shepherd on the hillside binds up the wounds of his beloved sheep. He bids us to come, sit at the table with Him and feast on the truth of His Word.

 

Questions to Ponder: Do you know the Great Shepherd? Would you like to experience the blessings of comfort, peace and joy in knowing the Father? He wants to know you. What is past is gone forever, but God wants to be with us in our present and He wants us to have an eternal future with Him in Heaven. Will you answer the call of the Shepherd as He invites you to come?

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the truth of Your Word.  It brings peace and comfort to a world filled with turmoil and confusion. Help me not to waste my days dwelling on what is past, but help me to use them wisely to reflect on who You are; our loving Father full of grace and tender mercy. Thank You, Lord, that You are my hope and my future. Amen.