Prone to wander, Lord I feel it...

Why do sheep need a shepherd? I would argue that they are needed for two main reasons. One is that sheep are prone to wander off. The other would be to protect the sheep from predetors like wolves.

As I was thinking about my wandering heart I asked myself 'Why do I wander?' Why can't I just stay put. I begin to do some research on literal sheep and what sort of things made them walk off and leave the rest of the flock. Food! The internet site I looked at said that sheep will wander off thinking that the food is better 'over there.' Enough said right!?! I was immediately convicted that my heart often takes off thinking that the grass over there in that other pasture sure looks greener. Another site begin to describe the hard job of the shepherd. The sheep could be completely correct. The grass may be better somewhere else, but the shepherd has good reasons for not leading the sheep to these pastures. Maybe the shepherd is aware of the dangers in that place, or maybe he knows that a harsh season is coming and he needs to keep the sheep off of that grass so that it will be there when they need it most.

I found comfort as I read this. Jesus never promised us that we would always be in the best situations possible, as a matter of fact He promised us hard times. I may be wishing that I had a better job, or that someone didn't die. I may be thinking that a little extra money sure would make me feel a little more secure or wanting my relationships to be stronger. All of the sudden I realized that these feelings are not always wrong. Maybe I could have a 'better' job as I saw it, or it does really hurt that a loved one has been born into eternity. Maybe a little extra money would be good or my relationships could be better. However, all the while I have to know that my Great Shepherd loves me and is looking out for my well being.

Then the best news hits me...one day someday we will see the greenest of green pastures. There will be no fear of wolves. There will be no thoughts of 'the grass is greener on the other side'. One day, when He says the time is right He will lead us to that place. May He hasten the day!