Jehovah Rohi: “The Lord is my shepherd” Psalm 23:1. The shepherd cares for, protects and provides for the sheep. When the pastures are barren, he leads them to new pastures. However, sometimes it is a journey through rough terrain; but, the shepherd knows what is best for His sheep. He protects them from the ravenous enemy that desires to destroy them. And “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). All too often, we forget the depth of love, our Shepherd has for us or want to believe we are lions needing not His protection. We wander off, believing we can find a better way to greener pastures. Then, we like David cry out: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” Psalm 119:176.
We plead for Him to find us; but, He has not left us lost, wandering on our own. Realizing our own foolishness, we believe He has abandoned us. We cry out: “O, God, why has thou cast us off forever? Why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?” (Psalm 74:1). When we forget that He is our great Shepherd who loves us, desiring the best for each of His sheep; then, we may fall into despair. We see the circumstances surrounding us, the wounds of our journey and fail to see that His watchful eye is there amid our greatest trials. He is guiding us away from a greater danger of our soul and leading us to a place of joy, hope, and comfort in Him.
Our Desperate Cry
When we forget who we are in Christ Jesus and the depth of love God has for His chosen sheep, we languish in our fear and desperation. Like David did in Psalm 69:1-5, we cry out:
“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.”
Yet God’s reply is:
“For thus saith the Lord God; ‘Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:11-12).
Jesus Christ, Our Good Shepherd
We need not be afraid whatever trials may surround us, if we know Jesus Christ as our Savior. He is the good shepherd as He said. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He died on the cross that “whomsoever believeth might be saved” (John 3:16). “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:26). Safe, secure beneath the Shepherd’s watchful eye, we have nothing to fear; because, He is for us.
Whatever the trial.
I do not know what trial you face today. Perhaps, you are facing a bitter divorce, or have lost a loved one. Or maybe, you are battling with chronic illness. Your heart is breaking, and the wounds are so grave, you are certain you will never stand again. Maybe, you are facing financial disaster and don’t know if you can make it another day worrying if there will be food on your table. Such is this pilgrimage journey on earth at times. Therefore, we cry out to God in desperation.
“But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust” (Psalm 109:21-23).
Whatever the trial you are facing, if you know the Good Shepherd, rest assured. Because He will bind up the wounds and carry you to safety; even, if it was your foolishness that lead you astray. He loves you with an unconditional love. His love is pursuing you, seeking you out of whatever place you have strayed to.
Do you know the good shepherd?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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For previous posts
How to Truly Seek God with All Your Heart
Or for poetry
My Shepherd’s Lullabye of Love
Books Available
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash