"Sheepish" Thoughts.....

Psalm 23 (mingling KJV and NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd.....I guess that makes me the sheep!  Contrary to popular belief, I am not in charge, He is in charge.  He is the shepherd - the Good Shepherd.  Everything else only applies if I am the Good Sheep, and follow the shepherd.

I shall not want.....it is the shepherd's job to find places that are good for the sheep.  I will reap the reward, IF I continue to follow the shepherd.  If I strike out on my own, then the shepherd is no longer providing for my needs, and I am lost.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters....no matter what is going on around me, I am assured of green pastures and still waters along the journey to rest - IF I continue to follow the shepherd.  He knows life can be a distraction, but He also knows the best way for me to go.  I just have to follow Him.

He restores my soul....not only will I find physical rest, but also spiritual renewal - IF I follow the shepherd.  If I wander from the shepherd, my soul will find no rest.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.....the shepherd knows the best path.  The path that will lead me to those places of growth (lots of green grass and water!) and rest.  And in the end I will be a sheep that brings glory to his name - IF I follow the shepherd.

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 staff, they comfort me....the valley of the shadow of death is not scary - IF I am following the shepherd.   If I am following Him, then HE will lead me safely through, unscathed, and His rod and staff are at the ready to protect me.  However, if I have wandered astray and end up in this valley, I am in danger.  Luckily, He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the flock to find the one lost lamb.  He will arrive with His rod and staff to protect me, but I will leave with the scars I reap from my disobedience.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies....those who wish to do me harm may be nearby sharpening their claws, but I can put my head down and eat in peace - IF I am with the shepherd (he still has that rod and staff, you know!)  The Enemy will wait for me to stray from the shepherd to do me harm.

You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows....priests are anointed.  They are allowed direct access to God.  I am allowed direct access to the Good Shepherd.  He calls me by name (John 10:3) and I know His voice (John 10:4).  I am filled with joy - IF I stay with the shepherd.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever....goodness and love will always be with me - IF I stay with the shepherd, for He is Love and all that is good.  If I follow Him, then at the end of my days I will live with Him in the place He has prepared for me (John 14:2-3) - IF I have trusted my life to the shepherd!