My Time As A Lowly Shepherd

“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.” Psalm 23 (ESV)

I know it by heart and it has for sure brought me comfort in times of sadness and trial.

However…

Have you ever noticed that David wrote this psalm while he was king, but in it, he is recalling his time as a shepherd?

You would think now that he was king he might be embarrassed about his former days as a lowly shepherd, but he wasn’t.

He wasn’t ashamed of his past because it was being a shepherd that led him to be king.

God often takes us down a path that starts in struggle, confusion, and loneliness.

The challenge though isn’t about “suffering” through those times, it is being obedient and having faith that God is taking you down that specific path in order to get you where you were meant to be.

We must realize that with each step we take on our path we can learn something new and meaningful… about God… about ourselves… about our purpose… and about the “job” we are asked to do in that season.

Don’t take your time as a ‘lowly shepherd’ for granted (and don’t be upset at God for starting you in the pasture)… the patience, perseverance, and wisdom you gain during your time in the field is going to prepare you for your future – wherever that may be.

Learn what you need to BUT don’t stay content in the safety of the field when God calls you to move on up to the Palace.

I don’t know what season you are currently in… but if you have been a shepherd for a while and are feeling a bit nervous about leaving the safety of the flock… maybe you feel a stirring in your soul that God is saying it’s time to leave BUT you don’t a clue where you’re going… I would love to have a chat with you to help point you in the right direction.

Shoot me a message HERE and we can you moving in the right direction.

Chat Soon 

April

Share With Friends 💌