Worry, fear, anxiety. These feelings make us want run and take cover under warm, cozy blankets, hidden away from life. Although we can temporarily hide, the reality is that we must face our fears and push through them. So, if you can’t seek comfort by constantly hiding under blankets, where can you go to find it? You can find comfort in the fact that you have a good shepherd who loves you as his own and following him will lead to fulfillment and peace.
Psalm 23:1-4 says “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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.” A shepherd by definition is someone who tends, herds, feeds or guards sheep and means to guide in a particular direction. As our shepherd, God cares for, provides for, protects and leads us. Now, let’s look at sheep. According to Sheep101.com sheep are timid and easily spooked, their only source of protection is staying within a herd, if a sheep rolls on it’s back there is a good chance it will not be able to get up without assistance and will die of distress, and when one sheep moves the rest will follow even if it’s not a good idea. It sounds to me like sheep need a good shepherd to survive. In order to see God as our shepherd, we must see ourselves as the sheep. Personally, I realize that I constantly need strength, protection, help and direction and God is the shepherd I would choose over and over again to follow.
I love to visualize Psalm 23:1-4 as I read it. I picture Jesus standing in a lush green field amongst a flock of sheep. I picture myself as one of the sheep. The field smells fresh and soft beneath my hooves. The healthy leaves are both good to eat and soft to rest upon. There is water nearby for when I am thirsty. The water is clean and calm, reflecting my face as I drink with no fear of being swept away in the current. After being fed, rested and refreshed, we follow the path before us, knowing that Jesus is leading us in the right direction. Even if our surroundings seem scary and frighten me, I know that our shepherd is good and he will protect me. If I stray from the path, he will use his crook to bring me back towards him. He cares for me as one who is precious to him and I feel loved.
How lucky are we to have such a shepherd! My prayer for you is that when you are feeling worried, afraid or anxious you will know and trust that God is your shepherd leading you towards a safe and better place.
Love, Melissa
The verse for this coming week is short and sweet and a great reminder for us all. Luke 6:31 says “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Melissa Pillone Speaks 