The Joy of the Good Shepherd: Day 24 of Joy
He is your shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
—John 10:11-15
Do you ever feel like you’re wandering through a “spiritually hostile environment?” If so, you have likely faced the pressure of making the right decisions, protecting yourself from harm, and finding your way through the fog of daily life. The “wolves” of anxiety and the uncertainty of the path ahead stalks us.
John 10 shifts the focus from our own wandering to His watchful care. Your security today is in Jesus: He is your Shepherd.
A hireling, or “hired hand,” runs when the “wolves” of life appear, but the Good Shepherd stands His ground. He has already proven His commitment by laying down His life for the sheep. Because He knows you intimately—just as the Father knows the Son—His care is specific to your needs. His grace is enough to keep you safe in the fold.
The 90/10 Rule of the Fold
[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]
The 10%: The “wolves” and the rugged terrain of your current circumstances that make you feel exposed or lost.
The 90%: The character and presence of the Good Shepherd. The fact that He knows you by name and has already secured your life.
If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live in a state of constant “flight” or fear. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that Jesus is your Shepherd, your joy is no longer preyed upon by the “wolves.” You aren’t responsible for finding the path; you are only responsible for following the One who is the path.
Identify one area where you feel “exposed” or unprotected today. Instead of trying to build your own fences, visualize the Good Shepherd standing between you and that threat. Say out loud: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.” Let Him provide rest and restoration for your soul today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank You for laying down Your life to save me and for knowing me so intimately. Today, I choose to follow Your voice and rest in Your protection, knowing that I am safe in Your hands. Amen.
View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us