Love God Greatly: Fear & Anxietyናሙና

Scripture often compares our relationship with God to the relationship between a shepherd and his flock. The shepherd risks all to protect his flock. He understands their needs and jeopardizes his own welfare to assure their safety. He guards them against their enemies and comforts them when they are afraid. The role of a shepherd is unyielding, unsafe, and unassuming.

Sheep naturally tend to herd together and run away in the presence of danger. Their flocking instinct causes them to follow one fearful sheep, instead of their shepherd, into peril. Instead of following other sheep who are afraid, we need to keep our eyes on our great Shepherd. Jesus willingly assumed His role as our Shepherd. Our role as His sheep is to listen to His voice and follow His lead. 

In what area of your life are you more apt to follow the crowd than God? How can following the crowd lead to more anxiety? Remember the ways the Lord has been faithful to meet your needs this week. His faithfulness yesterday is a promise of His faithfulness tomorrow. 

Father God, thank You for Your care. Thank You for sending Your Son to be my Good Shepherd. Show me areas I am trusting in myself or others instead of You. Help me see the areas where You are currently providing in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.