THE LORD IS OUR SHEPHERD!

By Irving Serrano

"The Lord is my Shepherd" As Children, playing games. The hours roll by, and evening sets in as the sun goes down. Running by a dark alley, one of our friends say; 'come on, follow me'. You watch them as they fade into the darkness ahead. When we did follow, it was because we trusted that friend. As adults we have to be more prudent with those we choose to trust. I am sure you can relate with that statement. When we read the 23rd Psalm, it speaks to us about trust. And surely gives us a guarantee, unlike consciences we experience when we choose to live our lives, with out God centered in our lives. In describing the Lord as a Shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherds provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd; the Great Shepherd; and the Chief Shepherd, so we are his sheep.....not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places, and in the right ways. This Psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep, but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognise the good shepherd follow Him. When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the " green pastures" and the "quiet waters" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following him obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd`s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interest. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherds way. Death cast a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies....pain, suffering,disease, injury....but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through deaths dark valley and bring us safely to the other side....the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this good shepherd who offers us eternal comfort. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano.