https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&version=NIV

The most comforting thing to know in life is that someone loves you and has gone before you; that person is Jesus, and He invites all of us to follow Him.  Once we get to know Him, we experience how much love He has for us.  When love is there, it makes fear flee (1 John 4:18). 

Since Jesus is the God of love, it helps foster an attitude of wanting to please Him.  That was what God wanted to instill in His people the Jews.  The list of commandments and rules weren’t given to be a burden or a list of things that tied them down.  God wanted to use the Jews to show how His way was the best.  When you are tuned into the Creator, you experience better emotional and physical health.  The underlying fact is that spiritual life comes from following and obeying God.

Not only were His people to be an example for the rest of the world, but God has given His creation as examples for us.  I was recently reading in a pamphlet my husband got, Hidden Healing Secrets of the Scriptures by Dan and Jill Brady, about the different seasons God has made.  In spring, it is the time of new growth.  Let us join with what we see coming to new life.  In summer, it is when everything is at its climax. Let us join with the celebration.  Fall is the time when preparations are being made for the harsher elements of winter. Let us also prepare and take count of everything that we have been blessed with.  In winter, the land is dormant and taking a rest.  That is a great reminder in life to realize that our later seasons of life should be used in resting in His peace.

This week, may we allow Him to be the Shepherd. He has promised to be our provider. Along the way, He leads us on the route of peace.  When we encounter dangers and enemies, He is there loving us and showing that nothing will separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). The Shepherd is there all the way, and He will guide His sheep safely to Heaven to be with Him forever.  Amen!