The Lord is my shepherd. I’m following Him. He’s doing what’s in my best interests. If I wander off he is going to come and find me. I shall not want. I’ll have everything I need . (Not to be confused with my greed for everything). He will provide for and protect me. I will not lack any good thing. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. The other mans grass is not as green as the grass He makes me lie down in. If I don’t take rest, he’ll make me rest. He has his ways. He provides rest for the weary. He leads me beside still waters for peace and nourishment. Refreshing. He restores my broken soul. Restoration. Redemption. Encouragement. Strength. Healing. Even when I walk through the valley (with the fear of death) He is with me. He’s with me now. Even in the shadow of a world gone mad, He is with me. His sovereignty and gentleness and kindness comfort me. He prepares a feast for me right in front of all my enemies. They cannot harm me. I can eat in peace until I am satisfied. He will show them how he will bless me. He anoints my head with oil so I will function properly and he blesses me so much that is it falling out all over the place. AND then He follows me around with goodness and mercy. He’s got my back all the days of my earthly life and when I’m done here I will live with him for all eternity. Now that’s not ominous at all. It’s encouraging and full of hope. It begets peace and hope and trust and blessing.
God’s leading me.
He’s beside me all the way.
And he’s got my back.
The shepherd surrounds me on all sides to keep me safe. And not only safe, he blesses me with peace, rest, protection and provision. Right now. Right here. Does it get any better than this?
What a picture of gentle caring love (and power). I can almost feel the shepherds arms around me – picking me up because Im getting too close to the edge of the cliff and bringing me back to safety.
They say sheep are stupid animals and well…. if the shoe fits. I can be dumb at times. I can believe the wrongs things. I’m can do the wrong things that put me (or others) in harms way. Self sabbatoge. But then the shepherd calmly walks over and rescues me and brings me back to where it is safe because he knows I don’t always ‘get it’. AND he doesn’t think of me as dumb, He thinks of me as lost and wandering and He lovingly provides guidance. So I follow because I am at least smart enough to follow the good shepherd. I am safe in his fold. Nowhere else I’d rather be.
The Red Plaid Apron 