These past nearly seven months have been challenging, painful and oh, so hard.
I have returned again and again to my favorite and most meaningful image of Jesus as my Shepherd King.
Being the Great Shepherd, He cares tenderly for me even when I wander, even when I don’t know what’s in my own best interest, even when fear and pain make me doubt His good intentions and love for me.
Being the King, He has conquered every foe and has the power to redeem, restore and resurrect what the enemy has stolen.
When I can’t rest in anything else, I rest in this.
I’m so thankful for this truth.
I had a large goat and sheep herd for over 20 years. In that time I learned a great deal about a shepherd’s heart.
I was privileged to lead, feed and protect the creatures in my care. More than once, a lamb who was near death or an older animal, injured and despairing, was nursed back to vibrancy with tender care and attention.
My favorite way to picture Jesús is as my Shepherd King.
He is the Shepherd whose heart is always for me, whose love is perfect and my King who is supremely able and powerful to work His will in my life.
If even the idea of hope has long vanished, precious heart, lean into Him.
He will carry you until you find it again.
thelifeididntchoose 