He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Isaiah 40:11
These are troubling times. As we look far and wide we see war, hatred and destruction everywhere. Even here at home there is division and strife. And in our own hearts, turmoil and distress. Where is the peace that is promised? Where can we find strength and hope to face this new year?
The answer is found only in Jesus. By his words he exhorts us, “Let not your heart be troubled." ”Be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” and “Fear not little flock.” By these words he is encouraging us to trust in him. He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” And again, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.” (John 10:11,14) We can have great hope and assurance and find great comfort in the name he gave himself - Good Shepherd.
Imagine what a good shepherd is like. He is there every day tenderly watching over and caring for his flock and every night standing guard protecting them from harm. He carefully and tenderly cares for his own. He leads them to good pasture land. He knows each one by name. He is aware of their individual needs and idiosyncrasies. He is ever vigilant to see that they are taken care of. As they come through the gate of the sheepfold, he inspects each one to see if they are troubled by sores or injuries or pests. He applies medicine as needed or binds up the wounds or puts ointment on the raw places. Would a good shepherd move away when the sheep are in distress or sick or hurt? No! He sacrifices himself and does whatever is needed to meet their need. So is our good shepherd. Ever watching to comfort and help us.
In the short six verses of Psalm 23 we see the promise of every human need supplied. Here there is rest in green pastures and peace beside quiet streams. There is new strength for whatever the day may bring. There is guidance to make good and wise decisions. There is protection. There is comfort. There is sustenance (not just a meager supply, but a feast!) There is the oil of joy and health. And always there is companionship. The psalmist concludes by saying his cup is overflowing with blessings. He has everything he needs in abundance, more than enough.
The shepherd's care is continuous. He will never leave or forsake his own. No matter what circumstances or troubles we face ahead we know we can trust in him. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
You notice that the word is “when” you go through trouble, not “if”. He does not say we will be without conflict, strife and trouble but he has promised the overwhelming victory as we rest our hearts in him. We know that in this life we will face trouble. But along with the trouble we can be assured of his presence and of all that our good shepherd supplies. We know that trouble will come, but we also know that God will provide what we need to weather the storm.
As we face the New Year, we can be assured of his presence with us. He himself is our peace. What do we have to fear? Our Good Shepherd is in charge. The circumstances may become more difficult but in the presence of our enemies he has prepared for us a feast of joy, peace and comfort. Oh may we be partakers of that feast this year. He is our strong and beautiful shepherd and we are his precious possession. We can trust in him.
For he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
Psalm 95:7
