Finding Rest in the Good ShepherdSample

Righteous Paths   

Lately, heartache and sorrow have impacted everyone in our daily lives. Genesis 3 reminds us that there is a reason for the brokenness in our world. It's called sin, and it brings death, suffering, and struggle. Sin always has negative effects and consequences. It is always destructive and harmful.

When we look at the world around us, we see pain and suffering everywhere. Lately, heartache and sorrow have impacted everyone in our daily lives. What we may lose sight of is the source of all the pain and sorrow. Genesis 3 reminds us that sin brings death, suffering, and struggle into this world. Sin will always have negative consequences. Sin is always destructive and always harmful.

When God is our Shepherd, we are led away from sin and into paths of righteousness. The Good Shepherd always desires what is best for the sheep, even if they do not know best. God has set up parameters for us that will keep us on a free path from sin. His Word is truth, and light, and life. 

Sin wounds; sin scars; sin destroys; sin brings forth brokenness and death. The way that leads to destruction is the way of sin. The Good Shepherd leads the way that leads to eternal life. He not only takes us to our desired destination, but He leads us on the safest, best path as we travel.

The word "path" in Psalm 23 means "tracks." The Good Shepherd not only leads us to the right path, but He walks ahead of us, making tracks in the path for us to follow. God took on human flesh and walked among us. He left His footprints of how to live in this world, and all we must do is follow in His steps. So indelible are His footprints that He not only shows us the way, but He is The Way.  

Years ago, I had the experience of walking to an obscure village in the mountains of Honduras. It had recently rained, and the steep, rocky terrain was made more treacherous by the mud, the puddles, and the slipperiness of the rocks. I was having difficulty navigating the path without stepping into deep puddles of mud or even falling. One of the locals, who knows the path well, came to my rescue. 

He went ahead and motioned for me to step where he stepped. When I did that, the route became much easier to manage. One who knew the path walked ahead of me and showed me where to step. As long as I stepped where he stepped, I had no problem with the journey's difficulties.

When the Lord is our Shepherd, we can walk in His steps. When we do, even the dangerous and challenging places are navigated safely.