Shepherd

January 2

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  Psalm 23:1

Just this evening, I had a discussion with someone who raises sheep.  I had no idea that this would be tonight’s verse, so that in itself is evidence of God at work.  

The sheep owner talked of how verses in the Bible teach that sheep know the voice of their shepherd.  They respond to the shepherd’s instruction because they recognize and trust his voice.  The owner had also watched a video online showing a large herd of sheep that split into two groups led simply by each shepherd whistling.  The sheep recognized merely a whistle and knew which man to follow.  The owner and his wife had been excited to see this happen with their own sheep but were unsuccessful.  After some research, they learned the sheep have to be trained to do this.

Likewise with us.  We must train ourselves to hear the voice of our shepherd.  By reading and studying the Bible and engaging in conversation with God, we will recognize His voice and be comfortable in following His leading.  Without training, though, like my friend’s sheep, we will ignore the shepherd’s voice.  

Today’s verse tells us that God will make sure our needs are met, that we will want for nothing.  We simply have to trust Him enough to follow his leading.  What an assurance!  God, help me to hear you more clearly, to train my ear to differentiate your voice from all the other things clamoring for attention.  Thank you for providing for my every need!