The Shepherding of the Lord

Sometimes, like a little lamb nestled by still waters, a good shepherd has to give us a nudge to move along.

I had snuggled into the cozy comfort of my small cocoon. Having settled into its ease, I was quite content. But, if I’m honest, I had become too comfortable.

I knew when I moved into that apartment that it was meant to be temporary. The Lord had delivered me through a particularly trying season and provided the perfect oasis for respite. But somewhere along the way I turned a drive-through into a parking lot.

Our wants have a way of making what was never intended into something it was never meant to be.

How easy is it to morph the temporary into something permanent?

When we’re not even paying attention, this temporal world becomes a forever-home. And hearts get firmly planted in interim places.

When that nudge came to move along, I was disappointed. Heartbroken, even. (Understanding often comes slowly, after-the-fact.) But now I remember what was clear from the start.

Now, I see it for good.

I see His wisdom and trust His shepherding, which is an important place to start a new year—filled with the unknown.

Understanding the character and tendencies of His sheep, Jesus knows both the rod and staff are needed. The rod, for correction. And the staff, for direction. Undoubtedly, there will be times ahead when both will be required. Rest assured, both are pastorally wielded in lovingkindness.

But will I tune my heart to His leading?

The Lord knows when we need pasture. When to lead us to still waters. And when to rustle us through passing places. He knows when to stay. When to move. And where to go.

He always wants more for us than we want for ourselves.

Maybe, just maybe, 2026 can be a year to learn what it means to be sheep. To lay my life at the feet of the Good Shepherd. Now, that’s the perfect staying place!