You Need to Know the Shepherd!

The other day I watched a video posted on the Godvine website.  It was the sad story of a teenager who ended his own life through suicide.  It described the effect this act had upon his friends and family.  After watching it, a deep longing came over me, a desire for all people to know the comfort, protection and serenity available to them through the Good Shepherd.  In my morning devotions that day, immediately after viewing the video, I read the 23rd Psalm.  My heart cried out: 'If only people could truly grasp the goodness of what our Wonderful Shepherd longs to provide His beloved sheep.  If only they will listen to His voice!'

Please take a moment to watch the video and then continue to read my post about the Good Shepherd.

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.godvine.com/Girl-s-Heartbreaking-Yet-Inspiring-Video-After-her-Friend-s-Suicide-1885.html#.UCOrznoW5yg.facebook

Now please read the 23rd Psalm:

The Lord the Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Now, here are my thoughts: 

We have a Shepherd, my dear ones!  We have a Wonderful Shepherd!  We, like sheep, do often wander off and are in need of this Great Shepherd's guidance.  We have a Good Shepherd, dear ones!  He tenderly cares for us and closely watches over us.  He is our Provider and our Protector.  That is why it would be to our great advantage for us to learn to listen for His voice to guide us while we work to develop a calm faith in His providence. 

Just as a shepherd would lead his flock to a cool meadow in the heat of the day, so our Good Shepherd gently guides us to a place where we may find rest for our weary souls and be refreshed with streams of living waters. 

It is the deep desire of our Shepherd to lead us on the right path, the path of righteousness, which is not always an easy one.  He desires to refresh our spirits and to satisfy our hunger for spiritural nurishment.  He desires to comfort those in distress.  He desires for us to hear His voice.  Listen for the Shepherd!

Though we may find ourselves in a dark and gloomy place, a place where danger may be lurking, we need not fear misfortune, for our Great Shepherd is with us.  He will drive away our enemies and He will relieve us from anxiety.  Look to your Shepherd, dear one!

He prepares for us a table of hospitality, in a secure place, in the presence of our advarsaries.  He desires to generously anoint our heads with the oil of gladness.  Our joy can be overflowing!   Listen to His voice!  Joy can be yours!

Physical well-being and the provision of all our needs will follow us all the days of our lives, along with His divine love and guardianship, if we only will follow after Him!  And we shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

Remember, listen to His voice!  Follow the Shepherd!