Sunday Psalm The Good Shepherd
Sunday June 25, 2017
In the Bible, sheep and shepherds are often used to teach us important spiritual lessons. Jesus Himself said He was the “Good Shepherd.” Sheep are helpless animals and have no defense features against predators. If one sheep wanders aimlessly, the others will follow. That is why sheep need a shepherd to guide them and provide for their needs. Without the guidance and care of God in our lives, we are defenseless against the attacks of the devil and of the crowd mentality of doing as others do.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23 NIV)
In rocky terrain, a sheep may fall over and land on its back. This is called a “cast down” position and is serious for the sheep as it is unable by itself to get back on its feet. It will flail around and its stomach will begin to fill up with gas. As its stomach hardens, the air passages get blocked and eventually the sheep will suffocate. When the shepherd finds a “cast down” sheep, he rubs its legs to restore circulation, gently turns it over and comforts and holds onto it until its equilibrium is restored. When the sheep is restored, the shepherd allows it to return to the flock.
When we came into recovery we were much like a “cast down” sheep unable to help ourselves get back on our feet. If we meditate on today’s Psalm we will understand how the Good Shepherd takes care of us in our time of need.
Prayer: Loving God, I confess that I am prone to wander from Your guidance and care. Help me to follow You only in all my ways. AMEN
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