By Anna Milinovich
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” ~ Psalm 23:1
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also called Good Shepherd Sunday because of the readings at Mass, including the familiar and beloved Psalm 23.
Through its beautiful verses, we’re reminded that God is the one doing everything for us. He is the One allowing us to lie down in green pastures, leading us beside still waters, restoring our souls. He is the One leading us in paths of righteousness and preparing a table before us.
We must allow Him to care for us
This doesn’t mean we sit around and do nothing. Rather, our role is to actively receive what the Lord is doing for us. We must choose not to want something different than everything God is doing for us. We must choose to allow ourselves to be refreshed, comforted, sustained. Each one of us must allow herself to be loved by the One Who is love.
This shouldn’t be so hard, and yet all too often I find myself ungrateful for those things I am still waiting on. I choose to look at the enemies surrounding me and the struggles within myself, rather than keeping my eyes on the Good Shepherd. The illusion of self-reliance and control is simply that, an illusion. In the paradox of reality, it is submission to the love of Christ which makes me free. It is surrender which brings about the victory. It is the suffering permitted by God and walked through with Him that brings growth and healing.
The Scriptures are constantly reminding us that it is God Who truly does everything good in our lives:
“The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me.” (Psalm 138:8)
“O Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us, thou hast wrought for us all our works.” (Isaiah 26:12)
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
These verses are a reminder that we don’t have to live under the pressure of always measuring up, of always proving our worth.
He is the Good Shepherd because He loves us
On the flip side, this also isn’t God monopolizing us. This is the Creator of the universe, the One Who individually breathed your soul into existence at the moment of your creation, that continues to not only sustain you, but lovingly provide for you in even the littlest of ways. Sometimes He provides by giving all green lights so you can make it to a morning weekday Mass on time. Sometimes it’s the reminder to swallow angry or hurtful words before they spill out and damage a relationship. Sometimes it’s the grace to unify your sufferings with His on the Cross. But it’s always a grace. It’s always out of love. It’s always dependent on our choosing to receive it.
The other night, I randomly began reading in Ezekiel, and it too was a reminder of God being the Good Shepherd for each of us: “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out” (Ezekiel 34:11). The love which characterizes this verse and the ones that follow warmed my soul. He, He Himself searches for us to love us. He takes care of us in our every need, as faithful as the best shepherd is to his flock. He loves us. Am I willing to receive His love?
I get to be a little lamb in His arms, and so do you. He’s our Good Shepherd. Will you allow Him to carry you?
Prayer:
Dear Good Shepherd, may I always be open to receiving Your love and Your care for me. Thank You for always sustaining me and keep me ever more receptive to Your grace.
Call to Action:
What is something you are grasping, trying to control or fix on your own? Intentionally bring it to Jesus, the Good Shepherd today, and release your grip. Allow Him to carry you by trusting Him enough to take care of it.
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Beautifully written! Thank you!! The last two years, as my husband battled glioblastoma, were difficult ones. I was finally able to surrender my husband to the Lord. His tombstone reads, “Safe in His arms.”
Thank you for your kind comment, Mary! I’m sorry for the loss of your husband, but I pray that you may continue to experience the Lord’s care for you even in the hardest moments in life.