A Reading
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name.
(Psalm 23: 1-3)
A Thought
Our Open the Book visit to Walgrave school was about a sheep called Bramble. Bramble had wandered away from the herd and the shepherd. Bramble wanted to choose his own pasture, rather than rely upon the shepherd, but by so doing had encountered difficulty. He had become caught in thicket and became very frightened alone. Bramble was fortunate that the shepherd searched diligently for him, but he was still traumatised by his experience.
The shepherd knows the green meadows and peaceful streams that will sustain us. It is by following the shepherd obediently that we will reach these places. Ignoring his guidance will lead us into precarious situations.
We all face many twists and turns in our lives. When we focus on our problems and forget to look to God for direction, the things we encounter are likely to seem unmanageable, leaving us upset and heading towards a fall.
The Psalm reminds us that if we keep our minds steadfast, or focused, on God, He will give us peace and strength. No matter how many turns life takes, we can remain calm, assured that God will be with us through our problems and trials
He has our back, and will provide whatever we need to endure the storms of earthly life.
Sheep shelter peacefully under God’s protection from storm Dudley/Eunice/Franklin
A hymn (MP 1008)
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in you alone,
and I will trust in you alone,
for your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
Amen