I was thinking about shepherds this week as I watched the “David” movie with my kids. In the movie, they show a young David tending to his family’s flock, and the lengths to which he goes to save them.
There is one scene in particular where the sheep are in danger of a lion. He calmly and assuredly tells them to “stay” and “don’t go anywhere.” adding that “we are safe together”…but as soon as the lion starts to lunge, the sheep scatter.
It was a really good reminder to me of what I do when I fail to listen to God’s voice…I scatter. I go into fight or flight, often running from my problems in any direction possible.
In that scene, if the sheep would have stayed and listened to David’s voice, they would have been safer. Being near the shepherd is always safer for the sheep. But when those fearful instincts kick in…it seems like the only option is to run.
It actually takes knowing the Shepherd and listening to Him over and over again, often walking through trials and fire by His side, to know with full assurance that staying put and listening to His voice will mean safety and protection. Simply being in His presence is protection in and of itself.
Do you ever find yourself in these moments where you just don’t know what to do? You’re not sure what God’s will is over a situation, because you haven’t clearly heard from Him, and you just want to please Him and move forward in obedience…but sometimes, it is hard to tell which way to go?
I find myself in that place at times. And I often get so confused there, because this is where the enemy likes to make me feel like God is silent, or that I never really actually heard from Him in the first place. He pounces on my fears just like that lion pounced towards the sheep.
But the passage we read this past Sunday (John 10:1-10) really gave me so much hope, especially in moments like this where I am lost in the confusion of the choice. John says that God’s sheep will not want to follow a different voice:
“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:4-5, NKJV)
How comforting to know that we have the ability to hear God’s voice, and He even gives us the will and desire to follow Him. What more could we ask for?
As I watched that movie with my kids I was taken back to the times where God has shown me this sheep and shepherd picture throughout His word. I love the thought of being a sheep, because they are truly one of the most fearful animals. They get in their own way a lot…often terrified, known for making mistakes right and left.
But the Shepherd never gives up on them, and is always leading and guiding them to safer ground. How patient is our Lord with us? How gentle, and kind that He never gives up. What great assurance to know that we have His presence, and we have His voice. Let’s pay close attention this week to what He might say. Let’s tune out the voices of the enemy, and let’s walk in faith knowing that He is always there to rescue and care for us…His tender flock.
There is one scene in particular where the sheep are in danger of a lion. He calmly and assuredly tells them to “stay” and “don’t go anywhere.” adding that “we are safe together”…but as soon as the lion starts to lunge, the sheep scatter.
It was a really good reminder to me of what I do when I fail to listen to God’s voice…I scatter. I go into fight or flight, often running from my problems in any direction possible.
In that scene, if the sheep would have stayed and listened to David’s voice, they would have been safer. Being near the shepherd is always safer for the sheep. But when those fearful instincts kick in…it seems like the only option is to run.
It actually takes knowing the Shepherd and listening to Him over and over again, often walking through trials and fire by His side, to know with full assurance that staying put and listening to His voice will mean safety and protection. Simply being in His presence is protection in and of itself.
Do you ever find yourself in these moments where you just don’t know what to do? You’re not sure what God’s will is over a situation, because you haven’t clearly heard from Him, and you just want to please Him and move forward in obedience…but sometimes, it is hard to tell which way to go?
I find myself in that place at times. And I often get so confused there, because this is where the enemy likes to make me feel like God is silent, or that I never really actually heard from Him in the first place. He pounces on my fears just like that lion pounced towards the sheep.
But the passage we read this past Sunday (John 10:1-10) really gave me so much hope, especially in moments like this where I am lost in the confusion of the choice. John says that God’s sheep will not want to follow a different voice:
“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:4-5, NKJV)
How comforting to know that we have the ability to hear God’s voice, and He even gives us the will and desire to follow Him. What more could we ask for?
As I watched that movie with my kids I was taken back to the times where God has shown me this sheep and shepherd picture throughout His word. I love the thought of being a sheep, because they are truly one of the most fearful animals. They get in their own way a lot…often terrified, known for making mistakes right and left.
But the Shepherd never gives up on them, and is always leading and guiding them to safer ground. How patient is our Lord with us? How gentle, and kind that He never gives up. What great assurance to know that we have His presence, and we have His voice. Let’s pay close attention this week to what He might say. Let’s tune out the voices of the enemy, and let’s walk in faith knowing that He is always there to rescue and care for us…His tender flock.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.