Psalm 78
52 He led His people out like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
53 He led them safely, and they were not afraid; but the sea covered their enemies.

I love the words in this Psalm. As the Psalmist reviews the working of God in Israel’s behalf, he reminds us of the loving and gentle care of the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

This world is a wilderness! It is a place of violence and danger, but we show know that, for the Word of God is clear that we are sent out as lambs in the midst of wolves. The difference for us as believers is that our Shepherd goes before us guarding us and guiding us SAFELY, and we are NOT to be afraid.

Some of us fear and some of us just get angry with the wolves. I have that propensity. I am in good company with David who wanted God to destroy his enemies, but that is flesh and I see that sometimes in me. I know others who are as “Very Much Afraid” in the Book Hinds Feet On High Places.

We can judge one another in these matters, but if we will not judge ourselves, we WILL be judged of God that we might not be condemned with the world. It is always easier to see in others what we fail to see in ourselves.

The truth is that we need neither to be vengeful nor fearful in our walk with the Lord, for He is the Shepherd with the rod of protection and the staff for keeping us close. “Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Need we anymore?

There is a place for anger, but it must always be that with which God Himself is angry. There is a need for comfort, for we all go through those times of being “downcast” as sheep. BUT we must be very careful to have the proper motivation. Some of us have lived long enough and walked with the Lord long enough to recognize the roar of the lion and the howling of the wolf, but we have found that our Good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep, will, as our text says, leads His people out like sheep and guide us like a flock in the wilderness. He leads us safely.

BLESSINGS!