Following the Shepherd
I don’t know the way.
I like to think I do,
that I can get myself there,
chart my own waters,
make my own decisions,
know what is best
but
I am easily distracted
by something that looks interesting,
tasty,
shiny.
I like to walk on the wild side,
laugh in the face of danger,
challenge good advice.
I won’t fall down there.
Who says that’s not good for me?
But I just want to taste.
But you,
you Lord,
you know what I need
and you will lead me there
if only I am not so stubborn.
You know the green, lush fields,
the safe spaces,
the resting place
for me.
You watch me like a hawk,
ready to catch,
to water,
to lovingly tend and rescue me
yourself,
whatever the cost.
You love me
and walk with me
every day of my life,
every step I take,
you are there,
whether I see you or not.
However difficult,
desperate,
painful
things are
You,
you are there.
You walk with me.
Companionable,
Caring,
loving,
tending
God.
May I learn to hear your voice
and follow it
all the days of my life.
Psalm 23 (CEV)
(A psalm by David.)
The Good Shepherd
23 You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
2 You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3 and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.
5 You treat me to a feast,
while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love
will always be with me
each day of my life,
and I will live forever
in your house, Lord.
John 10:11-18 (CEV)
11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep. 12 Hired workers are not like the shepherd. They don’t own the sheep, and when they see a wolf coming, they run off and leave the sheep. Then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock. 13 Hired workers run away because they don’t care about the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15 Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep.16 I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
17 The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. 18 No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
Pam's Perambulation 