Good Shepherd

Today marks the end of the school year. We started in one school and ended in another. I'm amazed at God's guidance. He truly is our shepherd. 

Last Sunday, our pastor's message was based on Psalm 23. I've been reading this Psalm quite often these past few months. 

Even in hard seasons, I can close my eyes and think about these verses. 

My grandmother made sure that all of us grandkids memorized Psalm 23. I too taught it to my kids (in Portuguese). I'm not sure why grandma wanted us to learn this particular Psalm. What I can tell you is that these words have come back to my mind during different seasons of life. 

Recently, I've been navigating moving and adapting to a new hometown and life. It's been lovely. It has also been challenging. Managing everyday life while practicing total forgiveness can be tough. 

I choose obedience and forgiveness. It takes my feelings a while to catch up to what my will does. That's when the words of David come alive to me.

David wrote, "He restores my soul." When I allow God to be my shepherd, He leads me to restoration. 

This week, we've all been faced with the reality of evil. God, my Shepherd promises to be with me in the midst of it all. "I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

I want to think about what it means to feel both rod and staff leading me. I want to think about the comfort I enjoy because the shepherd is there with me, even in the most difficult of trials. I want to bask in the peace of His goodness.

Last year, I experienced the reality of having a table prepared before me in the presence of my enemies. It was pretty wild. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to give you details about this particular victory, but God knows.

As this school year ends, I want to offer gratitude to God. I want to proclaim "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..." 

God is truly a good shepherd. He protects, leads, comforts, and guides us.