March 14 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

A shepherd would sometimes have to take his sheep down winding paths and through mountainous terrain to get them to green and verdant pastures. The shepherd and his sheep would pass through dark and dangerous valleys. When the sheep stayed close to the shepherd and heard the tapping of his staff, they did not fear the dangers lurking around them.

Similarly, the good Shepherd guarantees His protection and safety to His sheep in the most difficult and darkest circumstances of life. He is right there for the sheep. He is not standing at a distance and He is not out of touch with the trials the sheep are facing.

We don't always know or understand why the Shepherd takes us down a difficult road. As we make our journey through life we sometimes question God's direction, “Lord, is this the way we need to go? Could You not take a different path? Why do we have to go this way?”

Throughout all circumstances keep in mind that the Shepherd is near you and leading you to the glory of the new earth. He will not abandon His flock or send them down a dead-end street. In all the strife, sorrow and trials of this mortal life think of the cross of Christ. At the cross, light shines through the darkness. For there you see the indescribable love, compassion and care of the LORD for His flock.

At times you may feel like giving up because you have no energy to go further; but never forget who goes with you. You are never on your own. When frightened, a child will hold on tightly to the hand of his or her parent. Don’t let go of the hand of Him who holds you in His hand. When you walk through life’s dark valleys, having put aside your fears, you become a pillar of strength and a source of encouragement to other sheep in the flock of Christ. Together we follow the good guidance of the Shepherd, believing He knows the way and He knows what is best for His people.