“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” Psalm 28:7
After a robbery my mother had a security system installed. I live far away and thought this was an excellent idea, providing both physical safety and emotional confidence. The company expert explained the system in great detail and left material describing its functions and operation on the table.
Just prior to exiting the house, a series of digits needs to be keyed in to a small panel to enable the system. Anyone who tried to enter illegally would immediately have their eardrums bombarded with a piercing sound that would deter the wrongdoer and also alert neighbors and passersby. The expert had also emphasized how important it was to follow the procedure for re-entering the house. My Mom needed to unlock the door and quickly—very quickly—key in the “disarm” button so the alarm would be deactivated.
What was intended to be something that eased my mother’s mind very quickly became a major irritant. While she remembered the exit strategy, entering was often more complicated. With arms full of groceries, mother would unlock the door and rush to answer the ringing phone. Within seconds the screaming blare of the system would shock not only the neighbors but send my panicked mother to the numbered panel where she promptly forgot which button to push.
We who are Christ-followers have a foolproof security system: God Himself. He promises to never leave or forsake us, to be with us wherever we go, to light the path ahead of us and surround us with His love. We experience that security not by pushing buttons but, says King David, by trusting in Him.
In quoting “the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel,” the prophet Isaiah records a phenomenal security promise:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But then four crucial and sobering words are added:
“But you were unwilling.” (Isaiah 30:15)
We will not experience the fullness of God’s security system unless we are willing to return and rest.
Question: How are you doing with resting in God’s plan for your life?
How can you place more trust in Him today?
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” Ezekiel 34:11-12
Years ago, I was in a bad place.
It was dark and cloudy as I pursued my own sinful pleasures. Angels were not dispatched that day, but the Lord himself sought me out. I wasn’t looking for him when he found me.
Sheep are prone to wander and become vulnerable. They have no claws to defend themselves. Sheep can drown if their wool gets too wet as they wade in to get water to drink.
We are like sheep and have gone astray, as Isaiah 53:6 says. We need a shepherd. Thank goodness God is not far away from each of us (Acts 17:27).
The shepherds in Ezekiel’s day led the people with force and cruelty. Jesus is different. He strengthens the weak and binds up the broken. He seeks out what was lost. He called my name that day and led me out of a black dungeon.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish” (John 10:11, 27-28).
What about your life? Are you in a bad place?
Quit following strangers who don’t care about you. They run as soon as the wolf appears.
Follow the Good Shepherd.
“When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4).
Thank you, Lord, for having an interest in me and searching for me when I was lost. I praise you for your goodness and for giving up your life for me so I can live with you forever. Be my shepherd and teach me to follow you. Amen.Are you at a place in your life where you want to know Jesus – walk and talk with Him? You can start a life surrendered to Christ today. This is a sample, simple prayer, but the words are powerful and full of meaning. If you believe them Christ will make something beautiful out of your life:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.