If you could be an animal, what would you be? In the past, I would have probably said a tiger or an eagle or something cool like that. Now, my answer would be a sheep.
So, why a sheep? I am doing a study on Psalm 23 by Jennifer Rothschild. The nature of a sheep seems pretty appealing, especially at this juncture in my life. I am tired of trying to control and handle people and situations myself. I want a shepherd to guide and take care of me! After 50 plus years on this planet, I have come to the conclusion that I don’t do very well on my own.
Let’s explore sheep in a little more detail. We will start with Scripture from Psalm 23 and then I’ll further explain my reasoning. Besides them being cute and fuzzy.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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 23:1-4
Sheep are guided by their Shepherd.
The Bible shares some characteristics of a Shepherd as follows:
- Saves and carries us
- Tends to us
- Gathers us in his arms
- Lays down his life for us
- Oversees our souls
I don’t know about you but the idea of having a Shepherd to guide and take care of me sounds pretty good. I know I have one – I just need to rely on and turn to Him!
Sheep lack nothing
Sheep are just focused on what they need in the moment and defer to their Shepherd for everything – and He provides. Sheep aren’t comparing themselves to others, wishing they had more stuff or desiring a greener pasture. At least, I don’t think so.
Sheep lay down in green pastures and walk beside still waters
Doesn’t that sound peaceful? They can rest because they feel safe with their Shepherd. They follow and surrender to him. Their minds aren’t going 100 miles a minute thinking about what they will make for dinner or wear the next day.
Sheep are valued
Sheep are loved and valued by their Shepherd. If they stray, he will seek and find them.
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:4-7
Sheep are protected during difficulties (dark valleys)
Life is pretty scary right now. I would hate to think that my protection is up to me. Sheep trust their Shepherd to carry them through challenges, difficulties and scary valleys. We should too.
So, there is my rationale for wanting to be a sheep.
Leslie,
You asked what animal would I like to be and like you, a sheep wouldn’t have been my first choice. I would have chosen something fierce and courageous never putting it together I was relying on my own strength. However, after reading your blog you changed my perspective. A sheep is exactly what I long to be even if they’re, not the brightest. But sheep have the opportunity to draw near to their shepherd. We serve the Good Shepherd, and to be near Him is priceless. Thank you for sharing and shifting my perspective.