Being Led By Christ

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

If you have ever had an injury, then you are probably familiar with the RICE method of treatment: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. The directions for RICE are as simple as the acronym: do it early and do it often.

The “problem” with the RICE method is that you actually have to do it to see results. If you are like me, you will try to get by without it. Perhaps the most difficult part is the very first instruction: rest. Reducing mileage or temporarily eliminating running is the last thing I want to do. After all, when I set a goal and begin to see results, I do not want to change my course of action. Even if I know it is best for me, I am not inclined to do it. And it’s not just in running, but in other areas of my life. I know what I’m supposed to do, but I do not do it.

If you share this attitude with me, you will find that in the Bible we are compared to something unexpected: sheep. In the wilderness, sheep depend on the shepherd for every need in their lives. Not only does the shepherd graciously give everything to his sheep, he loves them so much he would risk his life for them. The sheep, however, tend to ignore their needs. In fact, sometimes they do not seem to recognize what is best for them. If not led to pasture, the sheep will wander aimlessly. If not made to lie down, the sheep do not rest.

In Psalm 23, David says that Jesus is the Shepherd who makes him lie down in green pastures. Some Bible translations say He lets me lie down, but the original translation is makes, as in “to cause or to render.” David shows that he is prone to stubbornness when he admits that the Lord has to cause or make him lie down in green pastures.

Like David, I too am stubborn. I wander aimlessly but do not look to God for direction. Or when I do, I choose not to go where He leads. Maybe I want to take an easier way out. Maybe I do not want to exercise self-control or practice patience when I am busy pursuing a goal. But what goal do I have that is greater than resting in a green pasture with Jesus? What am I trying to pursue other than letting Christ restore my soul?

Praise God that He unfailingly loves us, forgives us, and is always willing to lead, guide, love, and protect us. His grace never ends and his mercy never fails. No matter how often we wander nor how stubborn we become, nothing will separate us from His love. The Perfect Shepherd is not only willing to lay down His life for us, He already has! Let’s rest in His gracious love.

Lord Jesus, You truly are the good Shepherd. You know my every need, and because I am Your sheep, I lack nothing. Help me to listen to Your voice and Your calling. Help me follow wherever You lead. Forgive me when I stray, and keep me safe always. In Your holy name I pray…AMEN.