Shepherd

While growing up, I attended an AWANA's program and memorized countless verses, and while I have since forgotten most of the verses, one particular passage, Psalm 23, has remained etched in my mind. The funny thing is, until God asks me to step out and trust him, that passage remains just that, a passage, with no real meaning or application to my life. However, I have noticed that when Psalm 23 truly stand out to me is when I am going through a period of growing and stretching in my walk with the Lord. We are in the midst of one of those times right now, and I am assuming that we will be here for awhile.

I am not complaining, but in fact have come to really cherish this time of growth, even though I must set aside my worries and completely trust the Lord. It is because of this passage that I have come to understand the heart of God in a different light, while going through my own dark valley.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads 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.
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.

The image of the Lord as a shepherd is very comforting to me. You see, a shepherd's job is not only to stand watch over his sheep, but to lead them to food, water and provide protection and shelter for them. A sheep's life depends on the skills and guidance of the shepherd. I directly relate this to my walk with God. If I am truly going to entrust my life to the Lord, I must be willing to submit myself to his guidance. Just like a stray sheep, if by my own free will, I choose to go astray, I am operating outside of the safety zone that God has established.

If the image of God using a rod and staff makes you uncomfortable, consider this; A shepherd used his rod as an instrument of authority, not abuse. A shepherds rod was used for counting, rescuing, protecting and guiding. If a sheep started to wander away from the safe boundaries, the shepherd would use the rod to steer the sheep back. I have felt this gentle nudge by the Lord at times, letting me know that I am operating outside of that safety zone. Most of the time it has helped to get me back on track, but when I have ignored it, there have been times that I encounter some hardship, not because God is punishing me, but because of direct results from my actions.

It seems like the wisest thing to do would be to allow God, our shepherd, to be in control. To allow him to lead us through life; to protect us from the bears, lions and wolves that lurk in the distance, and to rest in Him.