Survival Guide

When reading through the Psalms, the Lord is often referred to as our shepherd. During Bible times, shepherds weren’t that important. They often weren’t considered or adored by others. In fact, they dwelt at the bottom of the social status. So why should we be comforted that the God of the universe is referred to as our shepherd? 

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Psalm 23 discusses God being a shepherd. Some characteristics of God as our shepherd include, guidance, presence, and comfort. If God is reflecting shepherd-like qualities in this scripture, it’s necessary to look at attributes of regular shepherds. 

Shepherds actually have a larger role than we may originally suspect. Yes, they watch the sheep, but there’s much more involved. A shepherd takes care of the sheep; they defend their herd from enemies that seek to cause harm. Shepherds comfort any injured sheep and are gentle towards each one. They guide the sheep to fresh patches of grass and clean water. They desire to see their heard grow and prosper. 

God does all of these things for each one of us. However, unlike a regular shepherd, God does this with perfect love, grace, truth, and compassion. We just have to accept Him as our own shepherd and allow Him to guide us. There’s comfort in knowing our God uses ordinary people to explain and reflect His great might and power. There’s comfort in knowing God is gentle like a shepherd, walks with us like a tour guide, and leads us to places of peace and growth. There’s comfort in God being our shepherd. 

I know sometimes I want to stay in the pasture I’m familiar with. Even if the grass is worn down, the water is getting dirty, and the area has given me all it can, I want to remain where I’m familiar with. However, just over the hill lies an area filled with tall green grass, fresh water, and new experiences. I’m not always aware of the new place, but the shepherd is and wants to guide me there. Without the shepherd’s direction, the sheep would never know about the new, beneficial place that lies ahead. 

Let our shepherd, God, guide us to a new area where we can find greener grass, clean water, and more opportunities than we could imagine. The journey getting over the hill may be challenging, but the new pasture will be refreshing and worth the trip. Without Him guiding us, our lives are empty, purposeless, and will lack the green grass we didn’t know we needed. 

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If anyone is going to guide and protect me like a vulnerable sheep, I’m thankful it’s the God of the universe who made me and has a plan to prosper me. Let the Shepherd guide you to a place of rest, peace, and growth.