Dear Loving Lord, though out Your Word, You are referred to as the “Good Shepherd”. The reason for this is because, like a shepherd, Your desire is to guide Your people and show them the way to lead a productive and meaningful life. Since You know all things, You know where my time, talents, and resources can be best utilized. What You require of me is to trust You so You can gain control of my life and use it to do Your will. I should be willing to submit to You because You assure me in Your Word that every good and perfect gift comes from above (via You and the Holy Spirit). Through my obedience to You I will be filled with abounding joy, complete satisfaction and a feeling of having done something meaningful with my life. If I respond to Your voice, I will not regret what You’ve asked me to do. I am confident that my outcomes will be good because I am doing the good thing You asked of me.
As I make You my Shepherd, I relinquish control of my life to You and therein become more content with what the future holds for me. When I choose sin or “go my own way”, I no longer can blame You for what is not going right in my life. You know where I will grow, prosper and be renewed. I can only reach these things by becoming obedient to You. Rebelling against Your leading is actually against my own best interests. I must remember that when I am tempted to “do my own thing” I am choosing my way over Your way. The only way to be fulfilled is to do what You want me to do with my life. I was born with a purpose and that purpose can only be found in a relationship with You. As I struggle with the things in my life – pain, suffering, disease, depression – I can only come out on top when I possess Your strength and courage. If I belong to You, all things will work out for my good.
In ancient cultures, hosts were expected to protect their guests at all cost. You offer me the protection of a host when I face overwhelming odds or I am completely surrounded by enemies of my soul. Your promise is for me to dwell in You and You will dwell in me, so I do not need to worry. You offer me all of the protection I will ever need. As my Defender, I am confident that You will take whatever steps are necessary to protect me and keep me safe. You are my High Rock, my Fortress and place of safety. As my Shepherd, I know that I can count on You to guide me and protect me throughout my life. No matter what things I encounter I am content in knowing that when my days on earth have come to an end I will be sitting with You at Your banqueting table. In that sense, all things do work together for my good. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Philippines 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.