REFLECTIONS

The Shepherd

Through the passenger car window, it’s impossible to remove my eyes from the kaleidoscope of color passing by. Restful meadows, serene waters, powerful ocean waves, and mountains’ majesty reveal God’s inspiring presence in every scene. No person in the world can create such magnificence. Strange, though, that no other passenger sees the world passing by as I see it. Even those seated nearby experience it differently. We ride the train of time together, but everyone aboard travels on a track unique to themselves alone.

The Lord is our shepherd, yours and mine. He is a lamp to [our] feet and a light for [our] path[s][1] leading each of us down our unique tracks of life. We pause with him from time to time to find comfortable places to rest our minds, relax our bodies, and restore our spirits. But our journeys are never without its trials

Many times our lives pass through desolate places—starkly barren places, blanketed with suffocating sand and lifeless seas. And evil in its many forms rears its ugly head—pride seeking to confuse God’s provision through us with attainments we claim; gluttony’s insatiable appetite for more, and greed caressing possessions, position, and power. But we have no fear of them. The Shepherd is always there with his protective shields and comforting presence.

Then one day, toward journey’s end, we look back at it all to discover that every place along the way prepared us for the place we were going next. And, standing in awe of God’s ineffable love poured upon us, we drop to our knees, overflowing with thanksgiving, to see:

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. (Psalms 23 NKJV)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

[1] Psalms 119:105

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