The Lord is The Loving Shepherd - Psalms 23-25 and Acts 21:18-40
I am sure that anyone who has not been a shepherd cannot fully comprehend the fact that God is our Shepherd, but we should all allow Him to show Himself to us in this way. The sheep are so dependent on the shepherd, and the shepherd is so responsible for the needs of the sheep that it makes a wonderful picture for our relationship with the Lord. David had come to know God in this way, because he had been a shepherd, and he saw how God was the perfect Shepherd to him. He knew when David was tired and needed rest. He knew when he needed nourishment and instruction. He knew just what to do when the enemies came against him. In fact, God always provided so well for him that he could say that his cup was running over with blessings. God wants each of us to know Him in this way.
Paul experienced the Loving Shepherd many times in his life, too. In Acts 21 the crowd was about to kill him, and he was rescued by the Roman commander. God saw Paul in the valley of the shadow of death, and He went to comfort him with His rod and His staff to protect him. Paul was able to stop and address the crowd, because he did not have fear of the evil mob. His peace came from His Shepherd being with Him. He knew that the only things that would get to him were the things allowed by the Loving Lord. That is the only way to have peace in the midst of a riot like Paul did, but that same peace is available for us today, because God is still the Shepherd for all who turn to Jesus as Lord and fear Him in love and faith. If you know Christ as Savior and Lord, stop and consider your needs today. Then, submit them to the Lord and see what the Shepherd does to meet your needs. I believe you will come to confess with David that God's goodness and mercy are there for you every day of your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 26-28 and Acts 22.
Paul experienced the Loving Shepherd many times in his life, too. In Acts 21 the crowd was about to kill him, and he was rescued by the Roman commander. God saw Paul in the valley of the shadow of death, and He went to comfort him with His rod and His staff to protect him. Paul was able to stop and address the crowd, because he did not have fear of the evil mob. His peace came from His Shepherd being with Him. He knew that the only things that would get to him were the things allowed by the Loving Lord. That is the only way to have peace in the midst of a riot like Paul did, but that same peace is available for us today, because God is still the Shepherd for all who turn to Jesus as Lord and fear Him in love and faith. If you know Christ as Savior and Lord, stop and consider your needs today. Then, submit them to the Lord and see what the Shepherd does to meet your needs. I believe you will come to confess with David that God's goodness and mercy are there for you every day of your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 26-28 and Acts 22.