GOD, OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

So today, I have chosen to reflect on God as Our Shepherd.  This has been inspired by the current events in my life as well as preparation for the next AD newsletter which we will hopefully be sending out in the near future.

Although this topic was presented by Ryan as a devotional to encourage many of us who are going through some rough trials, it was I who was taking notes and trying to keep up with wisdom nuggets presented.

So, I have attempted here to gather my thoughts and draw attention to the fact that "The Lord Is MY Shepherd" try to recall what was presented not only to encourage my readers but to encourage and comfort myself. 

Following are the notes which I took of that devotional:

 We are currently following the theme of GOD AS A SHEPHERD.

Four key passages support this COMFORTING image.
1.  Genesis 48:15  "And he blessed Joseph and said
                              'The God before whom my fathers
                              Abraham and Isaac walked, the God
                              who has been my shepherd all my
                              life long to this day.'
                              The point being made that God as                              Shepherd has been busy caring for
                              our needs consistently.
2.  Psalm 23           We were reminded of David, one of
                              the most famous shepherds of all, a
                              faithful leader, an imperfect man who
                              walked in The Valley of the Shadow of
                              death, his incredible journey with so
                              many ups and downs, and intense
                              difficulties.
                              "I shall not want." the emphasis on God
                              leading me.  How can I lack anything?
                              God is the one shepherding me.  What
                              can I ever need?
3.  John 10:7-16     We are to keep thinking about Him as
                              our shepherd.  

4.  Rev.7:14-17      Our Shepherd will guide through eternity.
                              We were encouraged to HOLD ON TILL THE FINISH.


Reflecting again on the metaphor of "God as Shepherd", it brings, we as
sheep, incredible COMFORT throughout life.
What is the purpose of this imagery? (Ps.23:3)  To glorify the role of the
shepherd, to exalt/magnify the Lord.  Happy sheep reflect on God's glory.  

The ultimate goal on these reflections and meditations on God as Shepherd
is to cause us to worship so others recognize his glory, character, and
attributes:
                  His wisdom is on display
                  Strength & Power on display- He is someone who helps us fight
                  in our weaknesses
                  His goodness & grace, our souls are at peace.

So how is God leading you in difficulties?  These are opportunities to explain
how God is showing himself as a good shepherd in our lives.  God's shepherding
is on display in our lives through our adversity and difficulties and even a death in the family.

                            Ligonier.org/learn/articles/grief-and-christian/