Watching and Leading

Psalm 23: 1-6

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing.

He will cause me to lie down in green pastures: He will lead me beside the still waters.

He will restore my soul. He will guide me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, when I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be awed by no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they will comfort me.

You will prepare, set, a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil. My cup is running over.

Surely goodness and loving kindness will pursue me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of the LORD forever. (The One New Man Version)

This chapter in the book of Psalms is comforting to me. I can visualize this scene unfolding with little sheep. When sheep are guarded by their shepherd, they have no fear. They aren’t on alert for wolves because their shepherd is caring for them.

The shepherd leads them to green pastures for nourishment and safe waters for them to drink. He guides his sheep.

Even if wolves are watching from afar, the sheep may continue eating their lush green meal under the watchful eye of their good shepherd.

How much more peace would we truly have if we could only understand and see our Good Shepherd ever guiding our steps and watching over us?

Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Even in our wandering, Jesus – the Good Shepherd – has protected us by taking our punishment. God loves us more than we could ever understand with our finite minds.

1 Peter 2:25
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

He is the Overseer and Restorer of our souls.

The soul (our mind, will, and emotions) is the place that receives wounds. It needs restoration from time to time. Our Shepherd is willing and ready to bring that restoration.

Remember and be encouraged that GOODNESS and LOVING KINDNESS (some versions read MERCY) pursue you each day! Pursue means to follow in order to overtake! Think about that for a moment.

I am amazed the God of all creation does pursue His creation. He desires our attention. The scriptures even declare that He is a jealous God for us.

Perhaps we do need to be more childlike in our view of our Heavenly Father. Truly, we are a lot like sheep — in desperate need of our Shepherd.

What would you do today if you had no fear of danger and could just rest in the loving view of your Shepherd?

Guess what?

You are in the loving view of your Shepherd. He will never leave you.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.