Who’s Driving?

Have you ever ridden a tandem bike? I have many years ago and I remember there is an unsettling feeling of letting go of the control of the ride completely to another person. Not always an easy thing to do, right? If you have ever taught someone to drive a car, you know that same feeling.

This is illustration Jennifer Rothschild shares in her study I am in the middle of right now. I’ve read and studied Psalm 23 many times but this new perspective she shares is from her own personal place of struggle and growth, and it is powerful!

Just in case you do not know, Jennifer is blind. God has used this part of her story to minister to so many of us over the years, but her journey has not been easy. I believe this is one of her most powerful studies and it has given me a fresh look at this beautiful Psalm.

When we see Jesus as our shepherd and compare that to what shepherds of sheep do to take care of their flock, you see why David wrote Psalm 23. David was a shepherd, so he truly understood the protection and provision he needed to provide.

Like his sheep, we too need the guidance, protection and provision only Jesus, our Shepherd, can provide for His followers. The fact that He “makes” us lie down in green pastures shows us that we aren’t always willing to rest, trusting He will take care of us. The fact that He “leads” us beside still waters shows us that we need a shepherd…it’s so easy to take the wrong path that leads us away from safety, rest, and quietness that those waters represent.

This week I am leading a life group lesson on the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Verse 5 tells us Jesus calls him by name…this much hated tax collector who had extorted many people by underhanded practices so his own pockets would be lined. He knew him personally. And I am reminded of the passage in John 10 that tell us Jesus knows His own sheep by name! My name…your name. He knows us personally, even before we follow him as in Zacchaeus’ case.

We, like sheep, are vulnerable and need guidance and protection. We need a shepherd, but we have to choose whether we will allow our Shepherd to sit on the front of our tandem bike. We have to relinquish control completely into His hands and trust His love and authority over our lives…every part of our lives.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have fear right now?Do you need protection?
• Do you need green pastures of provision?
• Do you need still waters of rest?
• Do you need the rod and staff to guide you?

Your Shepherd can provide all of this and so much more. Trust Him with the front seat of your tandem bike!

My heart can be at peace because I know the Shepherd cares for me and He knows more than I do about every detail of my life. You can be a peace as well as you allow Him to shepherd you.

If you are searching for ways to do this, grab a copy of Jennifer’s study and grow to trust all He means to us as He shepherds our hearts!

Banner photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash