God is our Shepherd

Most of you are probably familiar with Psalm 23 and may have even grown up hearing it like myself, but this week it took on a new meaning for me when I was studying for our Women's Bible study.

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What characteristics of God stand out in Psalm 23 for you? I see that God is a leader who provides, protects, nourishes, comforts and guides us, he even blesses us with his goodness. Reading Psalm 23 should be the first indication that we are never alone because he is guiding us on the paths of righteousness.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Shepherds in the Bible were generally known for being humble people and were even looked down upon at times. When we become less concerned about our social standing and self-importance we too can be humble. When we humble ourselves it gives us the ability to hear God's voice more clearly.

We can't experience the full measure of God's goodness when we are focused on worldly things, we must actively seek Him every day so He can lead us to a place of contentment and peace.

Shepherds watch over their flocks, they protect & provide for them day and night by leading them along new paths to green pastures and still waters for nourishment. Sounds like God doesn't it?

God has shown us numerous times in the Bible how he provided for his people, whether it was changing bitter water to sweet in Exodus 15:22-27 or when he provided manna & quail for his people in Exodus 16 or how about when he poured water out of a rock in Exodus 17. He even parted the Red Sea to protect his people, Matthew 6:25-34 tells us not to worry because God will provide for us.

The minute we begin to wonder how our situation will turn around remember how God provided for his people in the Bible, they couldn't see a way out of their situations just like us and yet God provided & protected them. So you can rest assured knowing he will take care of you too!

1 Peter 5:6-9 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We should immerse ourselves in His word daily because it is FULL of lessons that will encourage and lift our spirits, it will also help us keep the right perspective when we're facing adversities.

Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime