Ancient Wisdom for Troubled Times

Are there things going on around the world or in your own life,

that give you cause for concern? Whatever the situation, it is good to know that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11), that knit us together in our mothers’ wombs, who knows all about us, and loves us just the same (Psalm 139:13-15). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks out each lost sheep, calls him or her by name, and delights to carry them on his shoulders (John 10:3; Luke 15:4-7).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who people have called on since ancient times.

He restores our souls and carries us through the shadow of death, to the other side (Psalm 23). Psalm 23 is a great Psalm to read and memorize!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;

     he makes me lie down 

in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters;

     he restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of 

righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through 

the valley of the shadow of death,

    I fear no evil;

for thou art with me;

    thy rod and thy staff,

    they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

thou anointest my head with oil,

    my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall 

follow me

    all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house of 

the Lord for ever.

I recently created the drawing above, of Jesus holding a sheep close to his side. The drawing reminds me to say to Jesus, “You are my Good Shepherd.”

You can talk to our Good Shepherd, Jesus, at any time. If you don’t know what to say, you can start by saying his name. 

Rev. Mac Stewart writes: “When we say the name Jesus...we are identifying someone who is...a person, in the fullest, riches, most unimaginably glorious sense of the word....The risen and exalted king of the universe has a name, and you can talk to him: Jesus...”

“Jesus, help me. Jesus, I need you. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, where are you? Jesus, I can’t handle it any more. Jesus, fight for me. Jesus, hold me. It is the name which is above every name, the name at which every knee shall bow, every tongue confess. It is the name that charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease. It is the music in the sinner’s ears, life, and health, and peace. It is the name of your beloved.” 1

Today, may you talk to Jesus. Thank him for being your Good Shepherd. May you say with the psalmist,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...I fear no evil; for thou art with me.”

1 Rev. Mac Stewart, https://covenantlivingchurch.org/2019/01/01/the-wonderful-and-strange-name-of-jesus/