Feed My Sheep
We know that our children are our responsibility. We have a job to do, and we must not fail.
by Dan Seaborn
Sometimes is seems like my wife and I are shepherds, herding a little flock of sheep - our children. We nudge them along, prodding them to get moving. We bring them back when they go a little too far away. We provide for their needs and guide them along the right path.
All this take hard work and a lot of time, but we know that these little ones are our responsibility. We have a job to do, and we must not fail.
The Psalmist says that God is like a shepherd, caring for us, His little ones. How great it is to know that He is always with His flock and He will never grow tired of providing for our needs.
Find encouragement in this paraphrase of that Psalm.
A Parent's Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd. My family will never lack for anything which we really need. He helps us enjoy your places of plenty. He provides restful, quiet surroundings. He guides us along the path of goodness.
Although we may walk through discouraging days - even to the point of death - we know that we need not fear, for He is with us. His shield of protection will guard us and His arms will embrace us and lift us to safety. He prepares a table of security in the midst of an unraveling society. He touches our souls and minds with healing; our cup of life overflows with joy.
Surely His goodness and love shall fill my house and remain with my children; and we will live with the Lord in heaven forever.
I don't know about you but when I translate that Psalm into a new format that allows me to see the goal of parenting from the Lord's perspective, it gives me great relief and takes the pressure off my life. It helps me realize the Lord is ultimately the shepherd of all.
Today it might be that you needed to pause and think of the places of plenty you have enjoyed with your family. Think of the times the Lord has built a shield of protection around your home. As a family, take time to pray together for God to continue to protect you from Satan's attacks.
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