...the Lord really is my Shepard today. Perhaps I really do have everything I need, even when it comes to -. The Lord will provide me green pastures, even though I may no recognize them at first. I may think that what I need is missing, but it will be there. I'll figure that out faster if I rest (lie down) in God. The still waters are there for me to drink from any minute I need them. In certain events today such as -, I may need them frequently.
God is restoring my broken soul today. It is healthier than ever. When I become confused today, God will guide me in the right path. Again, I may not recognize it until later, but I can trust God's name, God's presence, and God's power in my life."
-Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice
by Dallas Willard and Jan Johnson
(smiling sheep found here)
I love this! A friend recently told me that still waters and green pastures are dangerous for sheep because they can't hear the quiet waters and they can't feel the water because of their wool so they can unknowingly (in the dark) walk into the water and when they realize they are in the water it is often too late because they are being pulled down by their soaked wool. But the Shepherd is guiding them so they may drink from the quiet waters. Green Pastures are dangerous because the sheep can fall on their sides and they aren't able to get back on their feet. (but the Shepherd comes and stands them up)
ReplyDeleteI love how it says your rod and staff, they comfort me. My friend interpreted that as God's discipline and how that comforts us because God leads us and guides us in the best way. He loves those he disciplines.
This imagine of us as sheep and God as our Shepherd is so beautiful and so true!
i love you! Thanks for sharing this Jen!