The simple idea that God is there to guide us, that simple idea alone gives us comfort. We are not alone. We are not without direction.
God's guidance comes often when we are still and waiting. Listen for where love will take you today.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15
Do you ever wonder what a bad shepherd is like? A bad shepherd probably sits around daydreaming, loses count of how many sheep are in the flock, maybe forgets to take them to the river for a drink of water.
The opposite – a good shepherd – seems to be a responsible, caring individual who pays attention to the sheep. One who doesn’t get distracted or lose sight of the task of keeping the sheep safe and providing food and water for them. A good shepherd would know, just with a glance, if one of the sheep was missing and which one it was.
I think that’s how God feels about us. God doesn’t get distracted. God doesn’t forget about our needs, or become self-absorbed. God, with just a quick glance, knows if one of us has wandered off. How comforting it is to know the God who loves us, is paying attention at all times, and knows us even better than we know ourselves.
Susan Reed
Shepherding God, thank you for paying attention to me – for knowing when I hurt and when I am joyful. Help me to remember that you are always aware of my life and what I am facing. Amen.
Though you may feel that you have no way to go,
Love is there to lead you.
When the world seems dark and scary,
God is there to give you light.
In the midst of every trouble, every care,
Christ's arms surround and hold you.