Daily Devotion - Monday, November 2

23rd Psalm Meditations

Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance; they need to be watched and protected; they need to be encouraged. No one knows this better than the person who cares for sheep. This week’s Psalm is known as a Shepherd’s Psalm. It begins with the writer confessing his own likeness to sheep. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that my sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”

Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep on the barren, rocky and dry countryside. It wouldn’t take long for a grassland to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of the shepherd is a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water can nurture his animals. It seems this could be quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”

There are many things that can lead us away from primary causes of illness, let us rejoice that God is present to guide us. Have a blessed week, listening to the guiding voice within.

A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, “ask and it will be given you.” So I come and ask. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
11.02.09