I’m directionally challenged. Even though I have lived in the same city my entire life, I still get lost. I’ve even gotten on the wrong plane a time or two before I added an traveling assistant.
I’ll never forget the time I accidently took a nausea pill instead of an Tylenol before attending a local event. How, you ask? When I travel, I tend carry one pill bottle with an assortment of meds in my purse. It was an easy mistake. However, that evening I was feeling a bit sleepy and drove home in the wrong direction. When I realized it, I was an hour outside of Nashville. It was at that point that my husband considered placing a tracking band around my ankle so he could find me when necessary.
Driving is not the only time I have trouble with direction. I often need direction in my marriage, raising my children, making ministry decisions, and simply deciding what I should or shouldn’t do. I’m not alone. Millions of others struggle with the same. That’s why fortune telling is on the rise. We’re looking for direction. We’re looking for someone wiser like a loving grandfather who can care for us and guide us.
That someone is the Lord, our Shepherd.
Most are familiar with Psalms 23, “The Lord is My Shepherd”. This psalm is comforting because it conveys to us that we are not alone. We, indeed, have a Shepherd to care for us and guide us. Allow me to show you the many ways the Shepherd is there for you.
- He’s your portion. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” When Jesus is your Shepherd, every major issue in your life has been settled. Why? He promises to provide ALL you and I need. That alone should fill us with contentment even though we may not have everything we want.
- He Guides. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still water, and he restores my soul” It may seem like guidance is hard to find, but Jesus is always guiding us. That’s not all. He gives restoration for your soul when it’s broken and grieving.
- He provides and cares for us: He knows us (Jn 10:14:27); He feeds us (Jn 10:9), He gudes us (Jn 10: 3,4); He cherishes us tenderly (Is 40:11); He protects and preserves (Jer 31:10).
- He protects. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, your rod and your staff comfort me.” One of my favorite verses that backs up this promise is Is 41:10. Look up this verse and see if you can find 5 supports/reasons not to fear. I’ll give you the first one: Fear not, for I am with you!
- He predicts. The good Shepherd predicts that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
I know if you’re like me, you’re thankful for the good Shepherd. It calms my anxious heart to know that I’m never alone in my decision making. Jesus is leading me. Allow yourself to dwell on these truths today. They will change your outlook; empower you with confidence and guidance, and open your eyes to God’s goodness and mercy that is yours.
Also, if you’d like to go deeper into this psalm and gain more encouragement, pick up a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart.
Doris says
A good message. I struggle to put words here. I don’t want to feel troubled but I do. I will read Psa. 23 again. Rooted in my word…..please, Lord, deeply rooted so that the surface junk is less troubling!
jeanniefuller says
Hey Micca! I was trying to add you to my blog list but when I do it takes me to an error page. ( I can’t for the life of me figure out why) I am putting in http://www.miccacampbell.com. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong???
Love your blog!
Elaine says
A very good message!! I struggle in my walk with the Lord, I think my faith is very small, I get frustrated with myself and feel like the Lord isn’t willing to help me even though I know the Bible says he will and is. I am so glad I have finally found Proverbs 31 ministries!!!!!