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His rod and My shelter… {thankful}

I love Psalm 23.

Tonight–I was reflecting on the beauty of His rod and how He is my shelter…

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

He is my good Shepherd. He leads and guides me tenderly. This is what the shepherd used his rod and staff for. Not to whack his sheep into walking the straight path–put rather to protect them and to guide them…tenderly. A shepherd would go out into the fields–sleep in the danger with them. His rod and staff would be their protection from danger. He didn’t send them out, but rather the shepherd stayed right there with them. When a sheep was lost, he used the rod to gently nudge the stray back to where he would be safe in his provision and care. In the shepherd’s care, the sheep needed nothing. He need not want for more. He could rest at His feet after being tenderly brought to his side by the rod–whatever scratches and wounds he had…the shepherd was there.

The Lord is my shepherd.

And I am thankful.

Though the waters may feel at times to rush over me and I might forget how to swim for a moment–He leads me beside STILL waters. He restores my soul. I can rest under His shadow…and as healing in the heart of the sheep happens–the Good Shepherd just stands right over…protecting…with His rod–ready to lead and guide in the weeks ahead. But for right now–when a heart is healing…some times the Good Shepherd will keep His sheep beside the STILL water. He will teach her to remain–to just rest…and to be still.

Though whispers may come my way with the aroma of fear–I will fear no evil. For I have a Good Shepherd standing over me–and His rod and His staff…they comfort me.

He prepares a table–full of provisions–everything I could and will possibly ever need…so now–I need to do nothing but rest in His love and REMAIN. In the remaining–there may be confusion, tears, unknowns–but this is just part of the process…and I have nothing to fear knowing He will provide…and His shadows beautifully cover me like the shade of a tree. And there–He anoints my head with oil…and my cup overflows.

His plans are perfect–He is always good…and goodness and mercy will follow His sheep as they remain in Him. And the best part…is the forever part. Some may shake their head at the fairytale ending–but if you know Jesus…if you have met the Good Shepherd–then you know in your heart and soul He is real and it is true. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever…worshiping Him with so many that I love…some whom I’ve never met…FOREVER.

I am so thankful I have a Good Shepherd to trust and to remain in.

Going to end this one letting these 3 kiddos rock it out…how precious are they??? Take in these words and let YOUR Good Shepherd pour in…rest in Him and His shadow as you do…

Your sister in Christ,

Andrea

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Naomi - September 12, 2012 - 6:43 am

Great word of encouragement. I am so sorry for your loss and do know first hand what that is like. We lost a little boy when I was 18 weeks pregnant. I will be praying for the Great Shepherd to continue to comfort and direct you. A couple of weeks ago I posted a song on my blog which has been such an encouragement to me this last month while I have been go through a difficult test. It is called There May Be Tears.

http://www.lydiahope.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-lord-has-been-doing-these-last-few.html

Heidi - September 12, 2012 - 11:16 am

Wonderful words of encouragement, beautiful children singing Jesus’ praise! I too know the heartache of loss. The Lord will sustain you, healing comes, prayers are answered. My prayers are with you and your family.

Your sister in Christ,
Heidi Matt, Louisiana