April 9, 2018
“I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.”—John 10:111
When you feel tired, beleaguered, or overwhelmed, come to Me and allow My Word to bring you sweet relief from the worries and cares that tumble about you. My words will encourage, strengthen, comfort, lead you, carry you, and help you make it through the day. My words will revive you and increase your vision.
Come, allow Me to wipe away every tear, to whisk away every cloud that would cast darkness around you—every dark cloud of frustration, discouragement, or fear. In coming to Me, you will find comfort and rest for your soul.
When you experience these times when you don’t have it in you to face another problem and you feel so low and down, you realize that your only recourse is to look to Me. But know that I long to guide you and comfort you in full measure at all times. For I am the Good Shepherd and I love and care for My sheep. I am your Good Shepherd. If you will just come and be still and learn of Me, I will give you comfort and rest. As you cast your burdens on Me, you will come to know My strength more fully.
Now your eyes are clouded with the circumstances you are facing, and you are not able to fully see the path ahead. But I see, and I have a plan and a purpose for you and for everything you experience. Look to Me, therefore, and not down at the muddy waters below that would blur your vision. For with blurred vision you are unable to see past your current circumstances to My purpose and My plan.
Fear not, for I will turn everything to your good, to accomplish My good purposes in your life. When you feel weary and burdened, that is the time to come under the shadow of My wings and be still.
I know what it is like to feel the burden and the strain of the earth life. I was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. On My great mission, I faced extreme, difficult conditions. Not only were My disciples and I living in very close quarters, but many times the discomforts of living outdoors much of the time took a heavy toll on us physically. While living on the road, we often faced the uncertainty of not knowing where we would lay our heads at night.
Everywhere I walked, everywhere I went, I was in demand by the crowds who expected Me to teach them and minister to them, or I was confronted by scoffers, scorners, and those who would seek to do Me harm. During these times, I leaned wholly on My Father above, and in leaning, found My strength. It was in those lonely, dark hours that I found in all My leaning that His strength was enough to see Me through.
I became flesh that I might understand you, that I might be your Intercessor, that I might be your Good Shepherd. As your Good Shepherd, I go before you, that you may look to Me, partake of My comfort, and find relief. As My Father led Me, carried Me, and worked through Me during My time on earth, so I will do with you. As you walk on, as you look to Me and allow Me to carry you through these trying days, I will bring you into a time of refreshing and fulfillment.
As My Father was with Me, so am I with you. Therefore, fear not. Learn of Me. These troubling times, these trials, these temptations will pass, and will serve to draw you into a greater seeking and closer communication with Me than before. As you walk on in faith, as you reach out to Me, you will discover that My love will carry you. To everything there is a season, and as you look to Me, this too will come to pass.
Meet Me in the secret place, and see if I will not supply your needs. For I promise to be your shepherd when you feel lost or alone, or forsaken, and you will find rest for your soul. When you feel weak and burdened with the strain of it all, that is the time to fly to Me in spirit, and I will carry you through. Look to Me, for it is I that will be the strength in you.
You do not have to carry the burden all alone. You do not have to bear the weights on your own. Cast them on Me; lay them down at My feet and I will sustain you. I will never suffer the righteous to be moved.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”—John 10:14–152
Fear not, for I will always protect you and keep you, no matter what circumstances you face. I will encamp around you. Wherever you go, wherever your foot treads, no matter where you are, I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I care for My own as a father guards his children. As the Good Shepherd who never leaves your side, I am always with you.
Fear not, little flock, for it is My good pleasure to give you the kingdom.3 But remember that it is through troubles and tribulation that you will enter into the kingdom.4 Even in the midst of tribulation I am with you. I will continue to comfort you and speak to you. I will speak words of love, wisdom, and guidance to you. My words will always be there to soothe, help, heal, and strengthen you.
Fear not! Keep your courage and hold on to the peace that I have given you—the peace that passes all understanding. Trust in Me, that I will keep you in the way that you should go and guide you with My eye.5 At the end of the road of your life journey, you are guaranteed a wonderful victory: My kingdom come!
Originally published October 1996. Adapted and republished April 2018.
Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music by Michael Dooley.
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