The Good Shepherd

By: Denise N. Fyffe

Psalm 23 (KJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Many of us have wandered off the wrong path, at some point in our life; not only physically but spiritually. We either get caught up in the scenery and what we see happening around us, losing focus on the path mapped out ahead. If we did not have the Good Shepherd, who is Christ Jesus, we would have certainly headed into dire and dangerous outcomes.

The Distractions of Life

Life is filled with many temptations, distractions, and seemingly good options. However, as they say, not everything that glitters is gold, and the standard for someone else might not be what is required of you.

As Christians, we have a higher bar to attain, and making the wrong choice in life, is often painful, and causes unnecessary hurt and disappointment.

The internet and social media.

In the 21st century, one of the greatest distractions is the internet and social media. You can include the plethora of modern inventions as well, like smart devices, cellphones, tablets, laptops, and a slew of other electronics that eat up the minutes and hours of our lives, in the blink of an eye.

When we should be praying, first thing in the morning; we often find ourselves checking social media updates, and notifications and making posts.

When we should be getting the necessary rest at night so we can wake up rejuvenated in the morning, or even pray in our midnight – we are glued to the screen of our devices and our sleep patterns are disrupted by the blue light emitting from these same electronics.

These distractions cause us to steer off the path and can even cause us to turn our backs on our faith entirely.

We can find ourselves compromising our beliefs. Accepting other contrary beliefs and leaving the way we had chosen before.

Temptations of porn-watching at midnight, online gambling, becoming addicted to shopping sites, etc. are just a few of the lures and distractions.

But the internet and social media are not the only distractions.

People are the oldest distractions there are and sometimes challenge how you live as a Christian. That is why it is important to surround yourself with people who will support you, lift you up, guide you, and alert you when you are headed in the wrong direction.

When you are having confrontations and trials that might cause you to make immoral or unethical decisions, you need people who are stronger and wiser and have more experience. If you have an elderly person, they are a great resource. Even a church elder or pastor as well will be able to guide you.

Of course, we recommend sifting everything with the word of God.

The Good Shepherd

However, if you find that you have lost your way and it is difficult to come back to church or simply accept the Christian principles and teachings you once did, just pray – and turn to the life-sustaining scriptures as well. You will find that just as how rescuers go out and look for those who get lost in the desert, out at sea, or up on some mountain or trail, Jesus Christ – the Good Shepherd – will locate you and rescue you as well.

Ask Jesus Christ to intervene and to either show you where to go or how to get there – and have faith. Trusting and believing. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, so do not be afraid.

Do not feel condemned.

Do not think that you are too far gone to be redeemed. Jesus Christ shed his blood and died so that you and I might have eternal life. So, simply call on Him.

For many of us, we have even experienced direct intervention in supernatural and unbelievable ways.

If you are a servant called by God, He is always ready to protect, guide, and defend you. Never lose hope or give up your faith. Hold on through the distractions and storms of life. Do not fear. Do not give up.

Watch the video below and be encouraged.

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Meditate on God’s Word

Many Christians struggle daily to live according to God’s word. But we need daily nourishment. That is why it is important to read your bible daily; even if it is a few verses and meditate on them.

Today, read Psalm 23, especially verse 1-4, and get a copy of the daily devotional Be Encouraged.

Psalm 23 (KJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 fiction and non-fiction books. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers towards achieving their goals.

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