Our Good Shepherd Knows the Path

I love fluffy, woolly sheep, but I don’t know much about them. I do know that they eat a lot and can clear a pasture quickly. A good shepherd knows to keep them moving and always looks for greener pastures. He thinks ahead and looks for a place where his weary flock can rest safely, knowing that the defenseless sheep need protection. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:2-3

The Hebrew word for pasture, na’ah, means not only a place where the sheep will find food, but also a pleasant place, a cool refreshing place where the sheep can rest.

Along the transhumance trail a good shepherd knows just where to find these safe havens. These can be caves, overhanging rocks, or sheltered streams where he can take his sheep during storms or extreme heat.

Transhumance is the practice of moving livestock from one pasture to another in a seasonal cycle. Typically, this involves moving to the lowlands in winter and to the highlands in summer. Shepherds usually followed the same paths year after year.

In our region, Abruzzo, many transhumance trails can still be found. In fact, one of them runs right through our town, which was once a resting place for shepherds traveling through!

A good shepherd knows the way

A good shepherd knows the path his sheep must take. He explores it ahead of time, so he knows what dangers and hardships might lie ahead. He searches for safe havens so he can quickly lead his flock to them in times of danger. If no natural shelter is available, he is prepared to build makeshift sheepfolds quickly from sticks, rocks, or giant thorns.

After sheltering the sheep safely, He feeds the weak, heals the wounded, and fends off any lurking enemies. The sheep don’t have to do a thing – nothing at all. They only have to stay close to the shepherd, who feeds, heals, restores, and protects them.

Our Good Shepherd helps us in danger

As we follow Christ, we too will face enemies, danger, sickness, and hunger.

He is leading us along a new and different path. A way that goes against the grain of this wayward world, and that will bring us battles, trials and enemies. We will pass through deep, dark valleys. But Christ already knows all of this ahead of time, and He goes ahead of us to provide everything we will need.

Sheep flee when they sense danger, and we are tempted to do the same.

But we must run to our Shepherd.

In times of danger, distress, and discouragement we must run to the sheltering arms of our Shepherd. In those moments when we feel so burdened that we can’t sleep, pray, or even feed ourselves – that’s when we need to turn to Christ the most.

We must allow Him to lead us to the safe place of His still and calming presence. In Him, we find everything we need. He brings us into His rest, where He heals our wounds. Where He nourishes us with His goodness and promises. And He restores our peace and our souls by reaching down to meet our deepest needs, which only He sees and can meet.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Let’s learn from the sheep.

They don’t fret or worry. They stay close to their shepherd, finding protection in his presence. They look to him for food, comfort, and safety. There, they are restored.

Likewise, during our times of greatest trial, sorrow, and worry, our Good Shepherd keeps us safe in his care. He wraps us in his protective arms until the storms and troubles of life are over.

So when you feel too weak to go on, just stop, rest, and stay close to Him!

📷 Image credits: Sheep is mine | Still waters & shepherd are both by David Padfield/FreeBibleImages.org.