Sheep

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul…  (Psalm 23)

“Oh to be a sheep. If only I could lay down my cares and abandon my responsibilities to lie down in lush meadows beside still waters. It’s a nice dream but, seriously, who’s got that kind of time?” Is this the nature of the voice that runs through your mind as you read this scripture? Maybe we should take a closer look.

For sheep, green pastures are necessary for food and still waters are an essential water supply. Left on their own, sheep are in danger of overgrazing certain places until the food supply is depleted and the flock begins to starve. A river or stream with a strong current will easily sweep away a sheep whose wool coat has become heavy with water. While our souls long for the beautifully scenic image of this passage, let us be mindful of its life and death connotations. 

David is speaking of the Good Shepherd who can be trusted with supplying our most basic needs. While we are tempted to seek after anything that pleases us, no matter how much of a strain it puts on our souls, God is able and willing to lead us into life-giving ways.

So, what is the state of your soul today? Could it use some ‘restoring?’ Let me invite you to a new idea. Allow Christ to guide your steps. Bask in the warmth of green pastures and the calm of still waters. Allow the Shepherd to restore your soul.

See you Sunday!
Missy