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Reader

Have you ever considered all that a shepherd is and does to care for his sheep?

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller, offers his perspective and in-depth look at a shepherd's duties and how they care for their sheep through the lens of Psalm 23. Having this insight brought so much meaning to the name Jehovah Rohi and Psalm 23, because David (the author of Psalm) was also a shepherd.

Keller states,

I cannot possibly cover every aspect of the shepherd's duties to his sheep and how it correlates to God (our shepherd) and us (the sheep) in one small devotion.

For today let's focus on Psalm 23: 2

This paints such a beautiful picture of peace, don't you think?

We are all too often distracted from true worship and celebration of Jesus during this time of year because we feel restless and discontent, leading to the lack of peace. Keller outlines four reasons that keep a sheep from lying down and resting in the green pastures. The shepherd must prevent or take care of these distractions in order for the sheep to rest and lie down.

• FEAR AND ANXIETY- DANGERS AND PREDATORS

• FRICTION WITH OTHER SHEEP

• IRRITATION FROM FLIES AND PARASITES

• HUNGER

Just like sheep, our tendency is to allow anxiety and fear of the unknown overshadow the peace that the Lord gives us. Maybe, you are experiencing financial uncertainty, health challenges, or the loss of someone close. Maybe you don't know what to expect next. ‭But, 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ (‭ESV) tells us;‬

When there is friction among sheep this is called "butting order", where they literally butt heads when there is tension, rivalry, and cruel competition. Sheep also experience extreme irritation from pests like flies and parasites that invade their bodies. If we are experiencing conflict or a strain in relationships, competition or feeling of comparison, or irritating circumstances in our life this can bring unrest to the holiday season. If you are feeling that there is a "butting order" against you or irritations invading your peace, take comfort in Psalm‬ ‭55:22‬ ;

The last reason, and perhaps the most profound distraction that keeps us (the sheep) from peace or "lying in green pastures", is hunger.

Our souls crave and hunger for Jesus, a hunger that only He can satisfy.

The LORD our Shepherd manages all our needs, cares for us, and works tirelessly to make sure we are fed in order that we are able to lie down in His green pastures to have peace, rest, and be nourished.

JESUS WAS BORN FOR THE BROKEN, WEAK, AND NEEDY "SHEEP" THAT WE ARE.

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SPEND TIME IN PRAYER THIS WEEK ASKING GOD, JEHOVAH ROHI, TO SHEPHERD YOU IN THESE AREAS. ASK HIM TO MEET YOUR DEEPEST NEED FOR HIS GREEN PASTURES. THANK HIM FOR HIS TIRELESS WORK AS GOOD SHEPHERD.

*This is a portion of the Advent devotional I wrote, Born For The Broken. You can still sign up for the full devotional with the link below.

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Born For The Broken Advent Devotional

Christmas blessings to you Friend,

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