A Walk with my Shepherd - by Gloria Guest

I love how in Genesis it states that God came down and walked with Adam & Eve in the cool of the day [Genesis 3:8]. It is as if God could hardly wait each day to spend time with those He loved.

While pondering this month’s blog topic about going on an artist’s date to replenish the writer within, I felt pursued by God to take a walk with Him. Together we walked through one of the most loved and familiar chapters of the Bible; Psalm 23.

 “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”

 A Shepherd keeps a careful and loving watch over his sheep, always looking out for their best interest. The concept of God loving me in such an intimate way has often seemed foreign and uncomfortable. Yet the way the Psalmist describes it, through the love of a shepherd for a little lamb; that is something I feel drawn to and feel free to accept and explore.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”

I envision the lush, green, rolling pasture where I can find a shady spot to rest. I picture the perfectly still, quiet waters; a peaceful place where I let go of my fears and worries and enjoy the refreshing stream. The Shepherd alone leads me to these pastures and waters; He alone knows what I need. I feel a sense of trust creeping into my soul.

“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

By following Him and not my own way, I will be lead on paths that are right and good for me. I feel the taught knots of confusion and desperation slide from my shoulders.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

I’ve walked through the shadows of the death of loved ones. Yet God was always there, shepherding me through, at times even carrying me on His strong shoulders. Now, in writing a memoir of my life, I find that there are different shadows to walk through.  Can God shepherd me through this fear of vulnerability that has gripped me like a vice? Will I ever come out on the other side of this valley? His answer is evident. God is ‘with me’ in each trial, each hour of need, each stroke of the pen. He is for me and not against me. I feel his presence with each small step I take.

 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

As I learn from the Shepherd I believe that He will bring these blessings to fruition in my life. I long for my cup to run over onto the written page; to have His goodness in everything I do for the rest of my life. I feel anticipation for all He is going to do.

Finally there is the ultimate promise that someday I will join my Shepherd in a heavenly home, free of earth’s bondages and trials. I feel my spirit yearn for a better place. But how amazing it is to realize that God can hardly wait each day, to walk with me.

*All scripture taken from New King James Bible