SHEPHERD'S STAFF

Shepherd’s Staff By: Sarah Millamena
Psalm 23: A psalm of David.

This chapter is one of the popular passages in the Bible, but my meditation of these verses made an extraordinary impact in my life as I learn about the way of a Shepherd, with that I would like to share some of the significant thoughts that contributed to my defining moments as a Philippine SFC staff.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
(The “I” in here is a personal pronoun and it connects to our Lord as my shepherd, He makes sure that all my needs are being provided)

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
(It is not usual for a sheep to lie down unless they feel secure, and here it was significant that it was the Lord who makes the sheep feel secure. He brings us to a place of stillness so may see His face and drink from His life-giving Word)

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
(At times, the Shepherd breaks the leg of the sheep to keep it from repeatedly going astray, yet He also binds up the broken leg and nurses the sheep until it is completely healed, then the sheep tends towards His master always, and this is for His glory!)

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
(There were times that the shepherd must lead the sheep to the valley to find a better pasture; He uses the rod and the staff to lead them safely through the valley)

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
(The sheep eats well in the midst of impending danger/s. The Shepherd also protects the sheep by placing oil on their head to keep it from pests)

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(With this, my lifetime is secure in the hands of the Lord, my Shepherd)

In the same way, the Lord has been shepherding me with His provisions, guidance, and protection, I would also like to be the same, as I serve as SFC staff. This may sound ideal on my own endeavour, but I know that my Shepherd will lead me beyond my limits. I hope this would have encouraged you and challenged you to be the same with our Shepherd.

Should you like to know my ministry details in Our Lady of Fatima University, please check out: www.sfcolfu.blogspot.com and www.friendster.com/sfcolfu.