Comforted Sheep

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 The psalm writer, King David of Israel, provides here a lasting testimony of being comforted by the Lord. Many years after the reign of David, however, destruction came to Israel and Jerusalem. The people faced terrible losses because their kings and other leaders had wandered after the gods of other nations. They had chosen pathways other than the right ones God had set for them. Yet despite the people’s calamity and being taken into exile, the prophet Jeremiah in that day made a declaration of faith and hope: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). In a way like the psalmist, Jeremiah pointed out that the people could find comfort in God’s faithfulness. There is evil in the world, and there are sinful things that we do, going contrary to the guidance of the Lord our shepherd. And as we learn from the testimony of God’s sheep throughout the ages, we can be comforted that the good shepherd does not abandon us in our sin and waywardness. His pursuing grace doesn’t give up on us. God is faithful even when we are not. In our lives today we need to hear this message as well. We will not be consumed because God is faithful! Lord, remind us of your faithfulness in all the times of our lives. Amen.