Although I love fluffy, woolly sheep, I don’t know much about them. Except that they eat a lot and can clear a pasture in a hurry. So a good shepherd knows to keep them moving, always looking for greener pastures. And knowing that the defenseless sheep need protection, he thinks ahead and looks for a place where his weary flock can rest safely.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:2-3
The Hebrew word for pasture, naah, means not only a place to feed, but also a cool refreshing place to rest.
On the transhumance trail a good shepherd knows just where to find such safe havens. Caves, overhanging rocks, or sheltered streams where he can take his sheep during storms or extreme heat.
Transhumance was the practice of moving livestock from one pasture to another in a seasonal cycle, typically to the lowlands in winter and to the highlands in summer. The shepherds usually followed the same paths year after year.
Here in our region of Abruzzo, you can still find many transhumance trails. In fact, one of them runs right through our town, which was once an overnight resting place for shepherds on the move!
The Good Shepherd knows the way.
He knows the way his sheep must go. He had already walked it before them, and knew of the dangers and hardships along the way. He knew where to find safe havens, and could quickly lead his flock to them in times of danger. If no natural shelter could be found, He would confine them in sheepfolds quickly constructed from sticks, rocks, or giant thorns.
There, safely sheltered, He fed the weak, healed the wounded, and fended off any lurking enemies. And the sheep didn’t have to do anything – nothing at all. Nothing but stay close to the shepherd – where they were fed, healed, restored, and protected.
He helps us face danger.
As we follow Christ, we too will face enemies, danger, sickness, and hunger.
For He is leading us in a new and different way. One that goes against the grain of this wayward world, and that will bring us battles, trials and enemies. We will face moments of deep, dark valleys. But Christ already knew this and has gone before us to make provision for it all.
Sheep flee when danger is near, 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, can’t pray, can’t even feed ourselves – that’s when we need to turn to Christ the most.
And allow Him to lead us to the safe place of His still and calming presence. For 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 those deepest needs that He alone sees, and that He alone can meet.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. 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 the shepherd – in the protection of his presence. They look to him for food, for comfort, and for safety. And there they are restored.
In our moments of greatest trial, sorrow, and worry, the Good Shepherd keeps us safe in his care. Wrapped in his protective arms, where He will keep us safe until the storm has passed.
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
Signora Sheila 
26 responses to “Our Good Shepherd Knows the Path”
I love learning about sheep and shepherds. The imagery of psalm 23 alongside real facts about the lifestyle and responsibilities of a shepherd are encouraging to me. Faith building even.
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Yes, it is faith-building, Lisa. Especially knowing that our Lord is our good Shepherd!!
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So when you feel too weak to go on, just stop, rest, and stay close to him!
Good advice for every day all day.
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Yes it is, Donna. Our rest is found only in Jesus!
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And it seems the older I get the more I enjoy the rest He gives. God bless you and yours.
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I know what you mean, Donna. Perhaps it’s because we have more time and space to truly enjoy his rest than ever before. But I find that I crave it|
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Having the chance to reread this today was timely. Being reminded that He’s already been on the path we’re taking, that He knows the perils and pitfalls along the way is not only calming but energizing. We’re never in a place where He isn’t or hasn’t been! Thanks for this, Sheila. To be reminded to run into the arms of Jesus is something we all need to hear frequently.
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Knowing that we don’t walk the journey alone is such a huge blessing. The path is, and always will be, full of perils and pitfalls. But our Shepherd knows them all. And yes, we are never in a place where He isn’t. That thought is so mind-boggling. I sit in awe.
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I’ve been doing an in-depth study of Psalm 23 lately and your post ties in well with it. It’s comforting to know God as our Good Shepherd.
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We could study Psalm 23 endlessly. So much to learn, so much wisdom, consolation, so much of God’s tender heart toward us. David truly was guided by the Spirit in the writing of it!
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I love this, Sheila! And I love that the make-shift sheep fold looks like a crown of thorns…The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. :-) <3 <3
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Thanks Lynn, I loved that too! It is amazing how so much imagery points to Christ, isn’t it?!!
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The last two paragraphs spoke Spirit-inspired truth, Sheila, and brought great comfort to my heart today. Steve has been back in the hospital since Sunday, but is supposed to be discharged today. They’ve tweaked his medications once again; the hope is this newest combination will stop the seizures. (It’s like working out a puzzle.) The Good Shepherd DOES have us safely in his care, enclosed in his sheltering arms. And we know he’ll securely keep us until the storm has passed over. Thank you for delivering these reassurances from the heart of our Heavenly Father to us!
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Thank you, Nancy. I am truly blessed that the words comforted you. I’ve been thinking about you and Steve, praying he was doing better. What you’re going through is not easy – but the Lord is sheltering you. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. He is faithful.
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Thank you, Sheila! Once some strong meds get through his system (last dose was yesterday) and the side effects subside, I’m praying he’ll regain strength and vigor. It does seem the seizures are under control, and we’re praising God for that. Also, the most recent CT scan showed some shrinkage of the hematoma–hallelujah!
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Thank the Lord, Nancy. God is good, and how wonderful that he seems to be under good medical care. Praying with you and for healing, peace, and strength!
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Not only does He know the path, but He’s there with us, before us and behind us. Such protection and provision are more than I can imagine. Thanks for this, my friend.
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Oh, I love that, Dayle! With us, before us, and behind us. It’s more than I can imagine too, but gives me goose bumps just thinking about it! Thanks for reminding us that he is not only always with us, but all around us!!
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We are blessed to know God is guiding our path. :-) We just need to remember to listen for His directions.
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So true, Mimi. We often do forget to listen for his directions, for sure. But how silly we are to try it on our own, when we can follow the One who has already walked ahead of us. And he will faithfully guide us!
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We were thinking on the same things today. The rest the Lord gives us as He leads and guides us. Thanks for echoing the Lord’s words in my heart.
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Amazing how God works in that way, isn’t it?!! I loved your post too – echoes of the same great thought that God is always ready to lead us into his perfect rest!! He is good!
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What wonderful imagery. I love the image of the shepherd and sheep. I can’t tell you how many times He has kept me safe from harm. The Good Shepherd is a faithful shepherd!
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Thank you Gail! Yes the sheep are beautiful. Abruzzo has long been known as a sheep-raising area. And in fact we have many sheep and lamb dishes in the cuisine. Psalm 23 is so full of rich imagery, peace, and safety. How can we ever read it without that filling our souls? The Lord is a faithful shepherd, and I’m grateful you too have experienced this in your life! God bless you, dear friend!
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Beautiful post that contains much wisdom. I’ll read this again I’m sure!
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Thanks, Ron, for your beautiful encouraging words! It blesses me to know it blessed you!
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