When we know who God is, it is easier to trust Him in the unknown.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Psalms 23:1 NIV
In moments of uncertainty, pain and suffering, we often lean into the twenty-third Psalm. David, a shepherd boy, became the king of Israel, but not until he faced a season of adversity in the wilderness. When his call to be king seemed a mere dream than reality, he found comfort to reflect on Jehovah God as his protector and provider.
If there was one thing King David knew first hand, it was a sheep’s dependence on the character and trustworthiness of their shepherd to provide for them and protect them. Is there anyone who knows the loving heart of a shepherd more than a shepherd himself?!
Years ago, I realized I did not truly know the love and kindness of God. Not only did I not know who God was, but I did not know who I was as His child. I felt like a dumb sheep walking in circles trying to please a shepherd I did not know. I viewed Him as an angry God, ready to chastise me for the slightest mistake. I lived in fear that God would punish me for the life I lived apart from Him by allowing something bad to happen to the people I love. I admit, I can slip back into embracing those lies at times. However, God has continued to be gracious and loving toward me by showing me if He wanted to punish me for my sins, He would not have punished Jesus by way of the cross.
Jesus said, I AM the Good Shepherd, and I lay down my life for My sheep (you and me). God (the good Shepherd) sent Jesus (the lamb of God) to provide all we need to be able to enter into the presence of a Holy God.
In scary and unknown times, our greatest need is to go before the Father and ask Him to remind us who He is. He is a Good Shepherd, providing for and protecting us. He is the only One that has the power to change our circumstances. If He doesn’t change our circumstances, then we can trust He has a loving plan we cannot understand at the moment. To live a life of faith is to embrace what we do not know.
Xo,
Zoe🌟