The Sheep and The Good Shepherd The Sheep and The Good Shepherd The Sheep and The Good Shepherd

• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalm 23

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are The Good Shepherd...

Most people think or use Psalm 23 at a funeral. But what about all the dark valleys we experience other than the grief and sadness we feel when someone close to us dies? As I was reading and studying Psalm 23 for my Bible class this morning, I was dwelling on the role our Good Shepherd plays in our lives and just where I would be if He was not in my life. I just don't understand how people can make it without God in their every day life. I know that without Him I would be lost and headed for Hell.

When I read Psalm 23, it tells me that God will calm my fears, fight my battles, and be with me through all my ups and downs in life. PRAISE GOD! It also tells me that I am one of His sheep and that one day, when it's time for me to meet Him in a higher place, He will be there waiting with open arms for me.

God is always with those who are his children and call out to Him for help.

In Psalm 107, there are four groups of people. In Psalm 107:4-5, the first group are the wanders who had no place to call home; the second, in Psalm 107:10-12, are the people who were in distress, darkness and deep gloom; the third group, in Psalm 107:17-18, are the people who had rebellious ways; and the fourth group, in Psalm 107:23-27, were the down and out people. All four of these groups had one thing in common—they all cried out to the Lord and He always heard them and came to their rescue from whatever they had done or gotten themselves into. He shows them His mercy and love.

So, no matter how, when, where or what we are facing or going through, our Lord and Savior is with us all the way, guiding and seeing us through it all.

With that said, all that I know is: He does care and love each one of us and no matter what, He is my Shepherd and I am his Sheep. He will be with me all the days of my life here on earth.

So, when you are feeling like the four groups of people who cried out to God, remember who your Shepherd is and read Psalm 23. It will lift you up and bless your soul.

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are The Good Shepherd, the One who hears all my cries for help and You are a God who is always an on—time God. Amen!