HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES: HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS. HE RESTORETH MY SOUL. — PSALM 23:2-3
Dumb, helpless, straying sheep. The fluffy creatures don't know any better than to wander away from the herd and get tangled in underbrush. The animals need a shepherd who acts in their best interest and protects them from harm.
That's us—sheep. We wander away from the fold and get caught in the underbrush of this world. We leave the flock and become tired, hungry, and thirsty. Our wandering ways leave us sick in mind, spirit, and body.
We need the Good Shepherd—Jesus. He searches for us when we go astray. He pulls us out of the pits we've fallen into. He removes the thorns from our hides. During the heat of tribulation, He places us in His shadow where we can rest. He slakes our thirst with His living water, the Holy Spirit. He restores our souls. We know His voice and follow Him.
God watches over us day and night, no matter where we are. He binds up our wounds, guards us, and builds us back up for the challenges of life. When we are lost, we need only listen for the voice of our Shepherd.
LET'S PRAY:
Lord, my Shepherd, I shall not want. Teach me to be still in Your green pastures and drink of Your quiet waters. Please restore my soul. Amen.
