Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. –Psalm 23:6
Week 8 featured three more names of God, and each was a Jehovah name that I was not as familiar with in one way or another.
- Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts, the One in whom we can find deliverance when we come to the end of ourselves.
- Jehovah-Raah, the Lord my Shepherd, the One whose care we need due to our helpless, timid, feeble ways
- Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness, the One who can give us a new heart and make us right with God
I have had sheep on the brain a lot this year as I learned about praying the psalms through Psalm 23 earlier this year, and as I recently started the Illustrated Faith Yes and Amen kit, written by a lovely woman of God who loves sheep. So of the sections of this week’s reading, I was drawn to the Lord as my Shepherd once again.
In reflecting on the passages Kay provided from John 10 (v. 1-17, 26-33), I was reminded how much I am indeed a sheep. I definitely do stupid things. I can be fearful, timid, and in need of constant attention and protection. I know I need to follow God’s voice alone, but I don’t always do it. And when I don’t, I get myself into trouble.
But I was so encouraged by these readings to remember that the Good Shepherd loves me and cares for me. My job is simply to believe and follow. I will lack for nothing in His care. He meets the needs of His sheep and keeps us from hunger, from worry, from tension with others, and even keeps pests (pesky thoughts) from taking root in our heart and mind and attempting to destroy us.
He is so good.
I am wrapping up the study as I write this. The final Week 9 focuses on the Lord is there. It is a good way to finish in these troubling times we live in.
How have you seen the Lord’s care this week? Are you leaning in to follow His voice? I pray so.
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