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.
Psalm 23: 1-4 (ESV)
One morning in my daily devotion there was a passage that spoke about the above verses. Many times, when we read this passage, we think of God (who represents the shepherd) as a protector and defender of all evil that comes against us. And we who are His children, do know this to be true.
However, in looking at these verses, has it ever occurred to you God is more than just our defender and protector? In verses two and three, they highlight how God leads us to lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. He restores our souls and leads us in the paths of righteousness.
In life, if we read and listen to God’s word, He will guide us in the way we should live, just like a shepherd guides his sheep to safe and greener pastures. He will tell us what we should do in order to have a better life, and what we should not do.
However, like sheep, we all have tended to “stray” from doing what is right, from time to time. During those times, God, the Good Shepard, seeks to lead us back to safety, if, we let Him. He does not do this to make life difficult or less enjoyable. On the contrary, He does this because He knows the best way to protect us, from unnecessary hurt and harm.
As His sheep (His children), let us learn to listen for God’s voice, and seek to do what He says. There is a lot of “noise” in this world and sometimes it is difficult to hear the Great Shepherd. But if you consistently seek Him, through prayer and Bible study, you will be “tuned in” to His voice. You will hear Him call you, and you will turn to Him, and obey.
Blessings,
Angélique
댓글