"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

What a shepherd we have! He lovingly and diligently watches over us. When we are hungry he seeks out green pastures for us. We are dependent on Him to find those pastures for us. When we are thirsty, he finds the safe, still waters for us to drink. He will let no harm come to us. But we must keep our eyes on our Shepherd if we are to follow Him to the green pastures and the still waters. He provides just what we need for the moment, but without Him we will starve or lose our way. "No matter how difficult, how narrow, or how treacherous the path, I’ve walked it first," says Jesus. "I always go before My sheep." Like sheep, we can’t tell the difference between the dangerous cliff or the safe path. We cannot distinguish between the deadly floodwaters of the wadis and the quiet pools. Only the Shepherd can lead us away from those deadly waters that will destroy us to the refreshing waters that will give us life. When He must take us from the green pastures through the dark valleys of life, He will stoop and gently lift up the weariest of His little ones and carry them close to His heart through the frightening shadow lands. It is in the warmth of His arms that we know we are safe. Though darkness overtakes us, no harm can come to us because we find ourselves in the arms of our precious Shepherd.

Oh, heavenly Shepherd, thank you for leading us through this life. Thank you for safely leading us to green pastures and to still waters. Thank you for carrying us when we are too weary to walk any more. May we always listen for your voice and follow you wherever you lead us that one day we might live with you for all eternity! Amen