I’ve been pondering the truth that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. I’m a city girl, don’t know much about sheep – except what I’ve read.
Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine; do Thou befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
The shepherd’s crook has been on my mind. Peterson writes as he paraphrases Psalm 23 … “Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.” I know the Good Shepherd will guide me, direct me … pull me to safety, nudge me along … I can trust him!
Shepherd of Israel! o’er Thy fold
How sweet Thy guardian care,
To them invisible indeed,
Yet present everywhere.
Thy crook still points to “pastures green,”
When rugged paths they see,
Beside “still waters” bids them rest,
And cast their care on Thee.
The “stranger’s voice” thou, Lord, canst teach
Their watchful ears to know,
And make their “peace,” their heavenly peace,
Like boundless waters flow.
When round this thorny world we stray
And find no place of rest,
Then come like “doves unto the ark,”
Faint, wearied, and oppressed,
Thy gentle hand is soon put forth
Each wanderer to receive;
Thou bindest up the broken heart,
And bidd’st the sinner live.
Why should we fear the storms of time?
Thy word their force can stay;
Enough, be still! the high behest,
Which winds and waves obey.
“Thy will be done” can calm the soul
By fearful tempests driven,
The holiest anthem sung on earth,
The highest heard in Heaven.
~ Eliza Gurney
This reminds me of how secure I am with my Lord ruling my life.