Sheep

Psalm 23 is a wonderful psalm that conjures up a picture of contented sheep, white and fluffy, chewing on the lush, green grass. The sheep in the fields round us at present are not like that at all. In this terrible wet weather we have experienced recently in Cumbria, they look thoroughly bedraggled. Their fleeces are filthy and they often have bits of bramble or twigs stuck in them and some have even been partially stripped of their fleece as they pulled themselves out of a hedge.

I think the “sheep” Jesus sees are just the same. We get ourselves in a mess from time to time, problems and difficulties surround us and things get stuck to us, things of the world that ensnare us. The wonderful thing is that Jesus, being the Good Shepherd, is wanting to release us from all those things if we will let Him.

We received a testimony of a lady who said she had hidden away from everything and everybody, being afraid to look out at the world, but that God had met her in the dark place of isolation and had gently drawn her out. The change in her was dramatic and others were noticing that she had a radiance about her that was unmistakeable. It was a tough walk, but Jesus was with her all the way.

If we allow Him, He truly will lead us beside the still waters and restore our souls.

Prayer: Dearest Father, Thank You so much for Your faithfulness in sticking by me when I am in difficulties. I know that if I reach out my hand You are there to lead and guide me and that You will never leave me. You are a wonderful God! Amen.