The Very Best of Shepherdsਨਮੂਨਾ

The Shepherd Has Solutions

From marriage issues and relationship stresses to work conflicts and money problems, we need practical solutions! It’s easy for us to get overwhelmed and to feel like there is no way to fix our problems, and I love that the Good Shepherd has practical solutions.

The Good Shepherd “leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3esv). He doesn’t let us flounder on our own — He shows us the way through. David tells us that “He will them in the ways they should choose” (Psalm 25:12niv). We are not left on our own, and there is a solution to our problems.

The Shepherd’s rod and staff (Psalm 23:4) are a beautiful image of God’s practical guidance. These are tools used to guide, protect, and care for sheep. God isn’t far off — He’s getting His hands dirty in our lives, and that was a big comfort to David.

A few hundred years before David was writing his songs, Moses was called to free God’s people from slavery in Egypt. Moses was rightfully afraid, but God pointed out something powerful. He asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2niv). Isn’t it interesting that Moses, too, had a staff? It was a simple tool, a cheap piece of wood. But it was all Moses needed for God to perform miracle after miracle to get the job done. God has already provided us with exactly what we need right now.

When we have problems in our lives, we need to look around ourselves and ask, “What is in my hand?” What do you have right now? Because God has already provided you with your solution. He’s leading you along the path of righteousness, and like the very best of shepherds, He’s planning ahead for you in ways you can’t even imagine now. So don’t think that God is surprised by your problem just because you are. You’ve got the tool you need right in your hand. He made sure of it.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1esv).

If you enjoyed this plan and want to learn more, pick up Patricia Johns' book, Green Pastures, wherever books are sold, or click here.