The Good Shepherd

This is my attempt at starting up again with this blog. I know I have at least a couple people who check in from time to time, and that is encouraging.  There are countless others that just happen upon my blog, and hopefully this is used in their hearts and lives for a purpose.  What a blessing that would be!

I would like to start this time with different studies from God's Word...and to begin, I would like to start with the very well-known Psalm, "The Shepherd Psalm."
    

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

According to Wikipedia," a shepherd, or sheepherder, is a person who tends, feeds, or guards flocks of sheep. The word stems from an amalgam of sheep herder….The duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact and protect it from wolves and other predators. The shepherd was also to supervise the migration of the flock and ensured they made it to market areas in time for shearing. In ancient times shepherds also commonly milked their sheep, and made cheese from this milk; only some shepherds still do this today."

God does all of that for us and more!  He is the Good Shepherd, tending to our needs.  First and foremost, He came to this earth to die for our sins!  What greater need do we have than that?!  And He does not force Himself upon us, but graciously offers His sweet salvation.  He, of course, meets other needs as well, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual.  He meets all of our needs because He loves us so...all we have to do is trust Him.  Many times, we as humans, think we can fix whatever need or problem we may have.  We tend to think we don't need any help; but we do need help.  We need God's help most of all.  We need to go to Him, cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), and know that God will tend to that need. 

God also feeds us.  This, too, can be thought of metaphorically.  He feeds us physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually.  He knows just what is needed and provides for that need.  Again, all we need to do is trust Him.  He knows us, loves us, and desires to meet our every need...and should I remind us, He knows what is best, as well.

Lastly, He guards His sheep.  He protects us.  In 1 Peter 5:8 it says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  Satan is always about, trying to devour us, or in the least, tempt us or get us down.  God allows this to a point; but He is always guarding us, protecting us.  Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times, it is true; but He allows certain things in our lives to grow us and mature us in Him.  But always be certain, God is there.  He loves us and cares for us.

In closing, I'd like to share Isaiah 40:11.  It says this: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

How precious it is to know the Good Shepherd!  He ever loves and cares for his own!  I hope this has been an encouragement to you.  Keep coming back...I hope to continue this study in the Word of God, sharing what precious things God has to tell us.

Until then…stay in His Word and be encouraged!

               

Trusting the Good Shepherd,

           
            Merle