The Shepherd Knows Best
This morning I met with Richard Flores from Timberline for an interview regarding my story that will be shared as part of this weekend services. Pray with me that people who have faced challenging circumstances in their life will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
I did make it to the fitness center for a workout. I rode a an exercise bike and then swam some laps and exercised in the pool. I am trying to coordinate better with my trainer on what I do on various days.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Psalm 23:1,2
This past Monday night at our “Allies” men’s gathering the teaching video was related to spiritual warfare. In discussing the enemies strategy to “pick off the weak and straggling” the speaker admonished, “run to the shepherd.” Psalm 23 is the most familiar Psalm of the Bible. In its six short verses it carries powerful truths that are always worth considering.
When I consider my illness and on-going recovery, the words, “He makes me lie down…” come to mind. I’m not sure if a hospital room qualifies as a “green pasture” but it is a place of care, restoration and recovery. I found that when you are on your back and you can’t move the only place to look is up…and within.
I notice after “He makes me lie down in green pastures” we find the provision of “He leads me in paths of righteousness….” In our life we need strength for the journey, we need recovery from setbacks, we need to be prepared for what lies ahead on the path where the shepherd leads.
In a word we can say that the shepherd “provides.” He provides all that we need, even if we don’t understand our need of it. Take a moment and consider what the shepherd provides…
- a secure and comfortable resting place
- a place of refreshing
- renewal for life’s depleting experiences
- guidance in the right direction
- safety and security even in a hostile environment
- bountiful provision
- the assurance of a future destiny
I like to say that Psalm 23 begins with the conclusion. It fixes our eyes on the Lord and who He is to us by simply stating, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” What aspect of the shepherd’s care to you need today? It is available as you run to the Shepherd.