God’s Care
This morning I was able to reconnect with my Tuesday morning prayer group after a long absence. Later in the morning I traveled to Denver to visit my mother and meet my brother and niece who had just arrived from California. My niece will be here for the next three months as an occupational therapist intern at Saint Anthony Hospital.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 “Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7
God’s provision for His people is a consistent theme in scripture. Paul said, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) Jesus said, “…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matt. 6:31)
We see the familiar imagery of both Psalm 23 and John 10 that speaks of the shepherd and the sheep. We see in these passages the provision of safety, security, protection, restoration and the assurance of a future destiny. The key to receiving Christ’s care is our response to Him. So with this in mind I encourage you to:
C – Come to Christ. Care is about relationship. Jesus said, “come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) In referring to Himself as the “good shepherd” Jesus said, “I know my sheep…they listen to my voice.” (John 10:14,16) In submitting ourselves to Christ we find His strength and protection. The Psalmist implored, “Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand….” (Psa. 95:6,7)
A – Allow Him to supply your need. The shepherd knows what his flock needs. He plans and prepares and provides for them what is needed, when it is needed. When the sheep rest in that, it goes well. When they wander, they find themselves in danger and trouble. Sometimes the Lord provides for us what we need, when we don’t realize that we need it. Rest, for example. Psalm 23 says, “He makes me lie down…” The rod and staff of the shepherd speak of meeting the needs of protection and direction for the sheep. As we follow our Shepherd in the path of life we will have all that we need.
R – Receive His care. To receive the Lord’s care, we need to be willing to “let go” of our worries and anxieties. We need to “let go” of our sense of control and believing that we know what we need. One writer in commenting on 1 Peter 5:7 said, “…if you are filled with fear of the “thick and dreadful darkness” because of God’s dealing with humankind, learn to trust His infallible wisdom….know that He who endured the “dreadful darkness” of Calvary and the feeling of having been forsaken…is ready to accompany you “through the valley of the shadow of death” until you can see the sun on the other side.”
E – Experience His provision. Relationship with Christ, trusting Him and having confidence in His care, knowing that He can supply for us what we need, allows us experience the full provision of His grace. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life…”
Today, you can have the comfort and blessing of being under the “Good Shepherd’s CARE.”