Follow the Shepherd Down the Path of Joy

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today? Are you feeling weak and tired?  Let God help you!

            We’ve talked a lot this week about being busy and stretched. Rest is very important but we often neglect that part of our physical health.  The 23^rd Psalm tells us that we should rest by letting Him lead us by those “still waters” and by lying down in the green pastures He provides. 

             How does a shepherd lead his sheep? First of all the sheep must recognize the shepherd’s voice; then they must trust him!  Phillip Keller writes: "The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible to make them lie down unless four requirements are met.

·         Because of their timid nature they refuse to lie down unless they are free from all fear.

·        Because of the social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others

·         If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax.

·        Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel hungry."

            How does this apply to us?  We must recognize God’s voice and trust our Shepherd completely, so that we are free from fear.  We must allow him to take care of  our pesky problems and our physical needs, to give us wisdom in handling conflict and dissention. And we must stay filled with God’s Word to satisfy our spiritual hunger.

              Psalm 23 begins with  "the Lord," and ends with "the Lord forever." Let us keep our eyes on Him from start to finish.

            Follow the Shepherd as he leads you down the path of JOY!