We're supposed to count sheep? Do they count people??

In Psalm 23 David uses the imagery of a Shepherd watching over his flock as a picture of how God watches over and cares for His people. One of the things about sheep is that they won't "lie down" to rest if they don't feel secure.

Sheep are easily frightened. If they don't feel safe from predators, they won't sleep. Sheep are very much a social animal and if there is friction within the flock, they have a hard time sleeping. Sheep have no way to ward off flies and pests that seek to bed themselves in their wool & around their face. If the shepherd isn't carefully looking after the flock, the sheep won't rest. Finally, if sheep are hungry & thirsty, they have a hard time resting. It isn't that they don't know how to eat, it's that they won't move on to greener pastures after they thoroughly ravage the land they are on. The Good Shepherd has to lead his sheep to a different path and continue to rotate the areas they graze on for them to be satisfied.

A lot like people eh? Did you know that almost 50% of people admit to being tired and not having enough rest. In 2022 almost 30 BILLION dollars was spent on pills and stuff to help us sleep. 

David says, the Good Shepherd leads us to REST. The Good Shepherd is one who RESTORES our SOUL. But how?

• He removes our guilt and shame by forgiving our sin to those who would ask Him.
• He gives us the remedy for conflict with others. As much as is possible WITH YOU, Paul says, LIVE IN PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER. Choose the peace path whenever you can. The evidence of God's Spirit living within you is LOVE, JOY and PEACE to name 3.
• One last way the Shepherd RESTORES YOUR SOUL- is when you spend time in God's Word and prayer. By coming out of the "noise" around you to be in quiet with the Great Shepherd of Your SOUL, He speaks and we are able to listen.

Come to Church this Sunday. Worship with others. Listen to God's Word as we remind ourselves again of the Shepherds great care for all of us. The LORD is MY SHEPHERD was David's proclamation. You won't be in need as long as you're under His care!

See You on Sunday!
Pastor Mike ​