Elizabeth Hixson
What do you face today? What do you need? What are you walking through? What are your clients walking through that may be weighing upon your heart? Take a moment to step into the peace of the Good, Good Shepherd.
Chris Tomlin’s song, Good, Good Father reminds us that God is really much kinder, much more loving, than we ever dare imagine.
The song goes:
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
You’re a good good Father
(Tomlin, 2015)
And just like He’s a Good, Good Father, He’s a good, good Shepherd too.
Okay, it’s time to invite the Shepherd to quiet your thoughts so you can rest in His presence. Let’s learn more about who He is as the Good, Good Shepherd.
Psalm 23 is a comforting picture. It is David’s prayer to his Shepherd. It tells us what a Shepherd does for his sheep. It tells us how God cares for us. I like how The Message gives this passage a feel for what a current-day David might have said to the Good, Good Shepherd:
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23:1-6 MSG)
What qualities is Good, Good Shepherd characterized by in Psalm 23? How what you seen His characteristics exude from your life circumstances?
Turn on some quiet music at your desk or find a secluded spot. Write out your own psalm, personalizing a prayer to your Shepherd. Tell Him where you are full of joy, tell Him where life hurts, and tell Him how you trust Him.
It’s so wonderful to have a Good, Good Shepherd in Jesus! Hannah Hurnard’s story Hinds’ Feet in High Places tells through allegory the journey of a young girl, named Much-Afraid, who learns to trust her Shepherd. An excerpt from the story sweetly captures the heart of the Lord as our Shepherd. Hannah writes in the story, “The Shepherd laughed too. ‘I love doing preposterous things,’ he replied. ‘Why, I don’t know anything more exhilarating and delightful than turning weakness into strength, and fear into faith, and that which has been marred into perfection,” (Hurnard, n.p.).
Whatever you face today, with your clients, within yourself, be comforted that He’s your Good, Good Shepherd and it’s His heart to protect you, restore you, and walk this journey with you. Next time you hear that song, Good, Good Father, smile to yourself and sing back, “…and He’s a good, good Shepherd.”