The circumstances of life can seem random. Sometimes it appears we get exactly what we deserve with the laws of sowing and reaping functioning as advertised. Other times blessings and curses seem to flow indiscriminately. Though beyond my pay grade to understand such things, I believe in a loving Father watching over our lives. As the psalmist declared long ago, the Lord is my shepherd.
It has always been so. Centuries ago, God led his people through the Egyptian wilderness. Though it took years and most who left Egypt with Moses died in the desert, God was the shepherd leading and guiding. It certainly wasn’t easy and there were many difficulties along the way. For those on that 40-year journey, the clarity of that shepherding was questioned. For in spite of the presence of God in fire and cloud and miracles too numerous to count, most felt lost and alone in the desert.
At various times and in various ways, I have felt lost in my life. Lost in parenting, in career, in finances and in relationships. I have felt the same in organizations, and in recent years, in the state of the nations. And when feeling lost, it’s difficult to embrace God as our shepherd and trust that he is leading. Yet peace only comes when we relinquish control and place our trust in him. And regardless of circumstances or difficulties, we can trust him to lead and guide through them all, and to work in them for the good.
No matter where you are or where you would like to be, I encourage you to follow his lead and trust him to shepherd you safely through the ups and downs of life to your ultimate destination.
To him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:16 NIV