Verse of the Day - Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. ~ Psalm 23:1 (NIrV)

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So, when you think about it, what does a sheep really need, huh? Food. Water. Protection. "baa..."

We can feel like David just doesn't get it when he likens himself (and, assumingly, us) to a sheep. Are you kidding, David?!? I have A LOT more needs than that! I need a job and a car and a wardrobe and a plasma TV and a vacation every summer and . . .

Now, it's true that we have need for income in order to survive. And most need a car to get there. But so many of the things we've come to believe we need, we really don't need. Perhaps we need to think more like sheep, you know -- the basics. Get down to basics, and enjoy the basics. Food. Water. Protection.
"baa..."

The reality is that we are like sheep, because our Good Shepherd, Jesus, truly is our provider and protector. I hope you know that the food and beverages you consume are given to you by His hand. You must know this, right? If He didn't enable you with the skills, knowledge and abilities to do your job, AND put you in contact with your employer, you wouldn't have your job, which is what puts food and drink on your table. And your health is in His hands, as well as your protection from enemies and calamity. He is the Good Shepherd who does care for His sheep. "baa..."

But, what about when a sheep loses his job and ends up on unemployment? What about when a sheep gets cancer and dies? Where is the Good Shepherd then? How good can He be then, and how are needs being met then?

Those are tough questions -- it's hard to understand the harsh realities of living in a fallen world. Jesus never said we would be exempt from them. But in the midst of them, I believe we can still see His hand working on our behalf, giving us encouragement and comfort and strength to endure.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
~ James 1:12 (NIV)

One thing sheep don't do is worry. They don't sit around on the hillside biting their nails about what's over the next hill. They don't try to hide food in a cave because they're not sure if the next hill has food. They just follow the shepherd and eat, sleep and grow wool. "baa..."

Can we, in simple faith --like a sheep -- follow our Shepherd, believing that what we need He will give us? We can know a contentment in the Lord that is unparalleled if we do.

"baa..."

Love,
Joelene