‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths!
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff –
they comfort me.’
(from New Revised Standard Version)
Shepherds in ancient Israel often stayed out on the mountains in autumn and winter. They would be responsible for finding both pasture and water for the sheep from their village. In the high hills were many predators, both human and animal. Creating a temporary sheepfold out of briars, they would sleep across the entrance acting as a gate-keeper. Their only protection their shepherd’s staff and rod, and a sling-shot like the one that David used against Goliath. Every sheep had to be accounted for when they returned to the village, so it was important not to lose a single sheep. Every sheep would know the shepherd’s voice, and was accustomed to following where he led.
In Psalm 23 God is seen as the Good Shepherd, who leads His sheep to fresh pastures where they can eat, and beside cool streams where they can drink. He protects them from all evil, on the darkest nights and in the most dangerous of situations.
Today we are like the sheep. God watches over us throughout our lives, and calls us into a relationship with Him. Sometimes we refuse to hear His message of love, but at times like the present we draw near to Him knowing that all we must do is follow where He leads.
Lord God,
you are the Good Shepherd
and we are your sheep.
Help us to trust you, and to know
that you have our good at heart.
When the days seem long and the
nights even longer,
keep our faith in you burning strong.
Amen.