Shepherd

A cloudy and windy day with a little snow on the peaks. I’ve been sitting on the balcony talking to Father this morning. He hasn’t really said much, but His presence is palpable. He is good. He loves us. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. A season of rest can sometimes be difficult for we American believers. But in that season, King David tells us our shepherd “restores” our soul. The word restores means to bring back. This restoration represents a death and a returning of our soul-the living, breathing part of us making up our passions and desires (our mind, will, and emotions). And then he stations me within the path-the literal protection of His way. It is a rampart, a fortification of strength and protection. Why would He do this? Why? I am undeserving. Billy Graham called this the unmerited favor of God. He leads me FOR HIS NAME’s SAKE. For His purposes and intentions, for His glory. For the end He has determined. And in His extravagant love, He pours His goodness and mercy, His kindness and grace over me. And I can be nothing but grateful.