1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV)

Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (KJV)

Are you a sheep?

Sheep don’t worry about being fed; whether there will be water to drink; or if there will be protection from danger. Here are some additional characteristics of sheep. See if you fit into the sheep category.

1.  Sheep have no sense of direction; they will follow whoever is leading them.
2.   Sheep are defenseless; when frightened, they will run away.
3.   Sheep can’t get up without help. The shepherd must lift the sheep and put it back on its feet, or it will die.
4.  Sheep are emotional and recognize the shepherd’s voice.
5.  Sheep are not animals that carry burdens.
6.  Sheep will settle for less. They are content with filth, so long as it satisfies at the moment.
7.  Sheep are valuable; treated as a prized possession. Shepherds made many sacrifices to protect their flocks.

What about you?

1. Do you rely on your own sense of direction?
Isaiah 53:6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, We have turned, each one, to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wickedness of us all [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing] To fall on Him [instead of us]. (Amplified Bible AMP)

2. Are you able to defend yourself against all attacks?
Matthew 9:36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

3. Are you able to pick yourself up or do you sometimes need help?
Isaiah 40:11 He will feed His fold like a shepherd; He will gather together His lambs—the weak and the wobbly ones—into His arms. He will carry them close to His bosom, and tenderly lead like a shepherd the mother of her lambs. (The Voice TVT)

4. Do you have the spiritual connection and know the voice of your Shepherd?
John 10:27 My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. (The Passion Translation TPT)

5. Do you realize God did not create you to carry burdens?
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

6. Are you willing to settle for less?
Psalm 23:1-2 Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. 2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. (The Passion Translation TPT)

John 10:10b But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! (The Passion Translation TPT)

7. Do you realize how valuable you are to the Father?
John 10:11, 14-15 I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep. 14 “I alone am the Good Shepherd, and I know those whose hearts are mine, for they recognize me and know me, 15 just as my Father knows my heart and I know my Father’s heart. I am ready to give my life for the sheep. (The Passion Translation TPT)

Do you always keep in mind God is there; or do you begin to murmur and complain when you encounter situations where you are anxious? Is it because The Father, your Shepard, has failed to take care of you? Absolutely not! Even though you may have to cry and sometimes walk in a place where you cannot “see” God at work, you must have confidence.

Daniel 10:12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. (American Standard Bible)

God is not wishy-washy. He does not take pleasure in your distress. The foundation of your relationship with God is you know He hears you. Take on the attitude of a sheep. Whatever is going on in your life, God is at work for the good of them who love God, and are the called according to His purpose, not for “your good”, for “the good”. That slight difference in wording should change what you expect from God in a major way. He may not do the specific thing you asked, however, He is in control. God looks after you like a shepherd looks after his sheep. Because you have God’s promise, you don’t have to worry. He will take care of you.

Give Him praise because He is Jehovah Roi [ja-hō-va  rō-hī] (The LORD My Shepherd).

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I have often heard sheep referred to as stupid animals. You taught me people considered them stupid because they did not think or decide or their own. You prompted me to study and, in my obedience, I found sheep are not survivors. They are not strong and independent. They are not hunters or fierce predators. Now I understand why Your word instructs me to be like a sheep. I have also found it is in my best interest not to think or decide on my own; I cannot survive without You; and I don’t want to live independently from You. I will gladly  be Your sheep. Like them, I want to depend on the Shepherd entirely. Like them, I don’t want to be left alone. You are my Shepard; You take care of me and You never leave me alone. You are always watching over me. I may not always acknowledge or appreciate the provisions You make for me every day and I repent for that. What I know is, not because of anything I have done, I’m still here. The devil hasn’t destroyed my life. Thank You for loving me with such love that I cannot reject You. As You lead me, I will follow You and seek You for everything I need. You are Jehovah Roi, my shepherd…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.