The Lord is Our Shepherd
One day a friend called and urged me to go to a particular prayer meeting at another friend's house. Normally, I'm up for prayer of any kind. Yet my time is so limited that I've become very dependent upon the Lord in every decision I make—even something as simple as whether or not to hop on over to a prayer meeting. I wanted to go, but as I prayed I felt I should stay home and spend time with the family. I felt a twinge of "spiritual guilt" (you know, that kind of illegitimate guilt that says you "should" do this and that you're not really walking the walk, meeting expectations, or living up to the standard if you don't).
Yet, because I did not feel a sense of peace and eagerness about going, I decided to stay home.
I found out later that some really negative things happened at the meeting. It was basically a disaster and not honoring to God or to those who were there. Fleshly motives (or worse) seemed to take over the meeting. I'm so glad I was not there.I've learned to trust the Lord's guidance in my life and wait upon Him before I launch into something big—or small. I'm certainly not perfect at it and I do make mistakes now and again. Yet praying before I make any commitment is vital to a healthy life. Otherwise, we find ourselves in relationships, commitments and obligations, and situations that are not God's perfect plan or path for us.
The Lord is our Shepherd. That's not just a cliché. He truly wants to lead us. He truly wants to be our guide—to protect us and keep us on the safe and secure path. He is the good Shepherd of His sheep, and we can trust Him.
Isaiah 30:21 tells us, "Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." We need to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in every decision we make:
- What curriculum to use
- What method of homeschooling to employ
- What classes or activities to attend
- What commitments to our church or homeschool group to make
- Which Bible studies and prayer groups to be a part of
- Which friends to spend time with (both us and our children)
Every decision should be taken to prayer in a quiet moment when our soul is still and free from anxiety and worry. Then we can hear from God and trust that He is leading us. He leads with a peaceful confidence that strengthens our spirit—making us sure of our decisions.
If we follow God's leading and trust His guidance in our lives, even when things are difficult and the way is rough, we will remain certain that we are in the center of His will and can persevere through the rapids—knowing still waters are ahead.
The Lord is my Shepherd. I'm so grateful I have a Shepherd over my life. It makes me feel safe. How about you?
Read on for more insight on connecting with God.