Mon Berger... (My Shepherd...)

La Sainte Bible rested open in front of me on the breakfast table this morning; 'it's time I got used to this,' I thought.  I have owned that copy of the Word for a few years now, but it does not have the same well-worn pages that characterize my English copy of similar size.  I hope someday my french Bible will be as familiar (and as easy to read!) as that one.  Reading the Word in another language is an adventure, and a privilege, all wrapped in one.  I'm sure I'll share further about that as I discover it more deeply.

This morning, I was soaking up 'Psaume 23,' the well-known psalm that begins "the Lord is my shepherd..."  This theme of Christ being the 'good Shepherd' and us being His 'sheep' has been reoccurring for me the past few days (it's in John 10, too), and what a blessed time to be reminded of it.  I love my identity as a sheep, because it puts me in a place of utmost dependence on the Good Shepherd, and it reminds me of my utter weakness and frailty.  As much as I'd love to think that I'm invincible, self-sustaining, and personally competent as I head into this adventure, I know I am not.  But I do know that I have a God who calls me, leads me out, and stands ground in defense of the sheep He has already shed His precious blood for.  That is why I am insistent on heading into this new, unknown chapter of life with confidence; because with the Lord as my Shepherd, 'I will not be lacking in anything' (the literal translation in French).

As you pray for me, pray I'd rest trustfully in the hands of my Shepherd as I begin my travels, adjust to a new environment, and forge new friendships.  I'm praying the same kind of trust evidences itself in your life and heart.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternel life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  John 10:27-28