The Shepherd Guides Us
Psalm 80
By Craig Hardee
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
The image of the shepherd is prominent in the beginning of this Psalm.
We’ve all heard about how the Lord is our shepherd, particularly if we’ve read the more familiar Psalm 23, where it talks about how the Lord is our shepherd. But think about who a shepherd is and what a shepherd does. A shepherd takes care of sheep. Now that sounds simple on the surface, but it’s not.
Sheep are not the smartest animals that God ever created. In fact, some would even call them dumb. They need to be watched carefully or they will wander off and get into trouble or get lost. Because other animals are smarter, they see sheep as prey. Or lunch.
King David talked about how he had to kill a lion and bear when he was a shepherd working for his father.
What does this have to do with me? Are you calling me dumb?
No, I’m not, but everyone I know needs extra guidance in living their lives. Although God made us to be a lot smarter than sheep, there are always times when we need God. You know; you’re never alone because God is always with us, gently guiding us and shepherding us through life.
Sometimes, we need more than just gentle guiding, and God has that covered as well. If we have a lion or bear come into our life, God is there, ready to guide us into His will.
Now that doesn’t mean that we go out and find lions and bears to jump in front of so we can see how God takes care of us. God did make us smarter than sheep, and he gave us common sense to stay safe.
He also gave us His Word to help us know how to live our lives. Call out to God through prayer and discover how to live for Him through His Word. God has a plan for us and He’s ready to guide us as a shepherd would lead sheep. Allow Him to do so and you’ll have an abundant life.
Lord, thank you for being my shepherd and help me to be open to your guidance through prayer and Your Word.