Good Shepherd

Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. Pslam 23:6 (NASB)

I vividly recollect a time in my life that was shrouded in darkness. This phase challenged me to the core and tested my resilience. It's an experience that has left a lasting impression on me, shaping who I am today. This phase challenged me to the core and tested my confidence.

Although I would love to disclose all the details of the event that triggered that particular season, sadly, I am not at liberty to do so. I would share everything with you, but there are certain limitations and legalities I must adhere to. 

At this particular time, a life-threatening situation forced me to decide whether to stay in my city with lifeguards or leave everything behind for a short while. I went for the second option. 

With that current situation, I came to a decision to search for temporary asylum with a church. After conducting extensive research, I found the seminary's database of churches in fellowship with it to be the most reliable source. I emailed a couple of churches but didn't receive any response. Because I was unsuccessful, I searched on Google, and the search engine provided information about a Vineyard Church in Baton Rouge, LA. After emailing them, I received an almost immediate response. I had a Zoom call with one of the pastors, shared what I was going through, and they kindly invited me to be with them. 

Embarking on that plane was a daunting experience as I had never met those individuals before. Although the path was challenging, it led to a more profound experience of God, inner healing, and a secure sanctuary. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and decided to take the leap of faith. My heart was pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness, but I knew this journey would be one for the books. I could already feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, ready to embark on what I hoped would be a life-changing experience.

I believe it was two months into the experience of being loved, prayed over, and cared for when we headed to Houston for a regional Vineyard Conference. At the first meeting, they performed this song that struck a chord with me. The lyrics were so poignant and moving that it left an indelible impression on me.

This song is based on Psalm 23. The song is "Good Shepherd (Lead On)."

Bring refreshing to our souls.

As you guide us in the paths that make us free. 

Lead on.

My prayer has been and continues to be that my soul be refreshed by the Word through the Holy Spirit's movement in my life. We can take comfort in the promise God has made to refresh us, and we can rest assured knowing that the means to fulfil that promise have already been provided. 

The Prophet Isaiah, under the guidance of God, wrote: 

For I will pour water on the thirsty land

And streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring,

And My blessing on your descendants;

Is. 44:3 (NASB) 

Our lives and hearts often feel like a parched land, thirsting for a single drop of water. God has promised to send not just a drop, drizzle, or sprinkle but a constant rain that brings life back. God's Word, His care for us, guidance, comfort, healing, and restoration are like a divine downpour that always brings renewal.

"As you guide us in the paths that make us free." God's paths lead to safety, healing, restoration, freedom, and salvation. The path God creates always leads to life. Jesus spoke these words not only to his disciples but to each of us as well: 

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 

Jn. 8:32 (NASB)

Discovering the truth is a journey that leads to one ultimate destination - Christ. The Scriptures are the only means through which we can indeed find and encounter Him. The Bible is a powerful testimony of God's self-revelation, presented in stark black and white. By reading its pages, we can discover the depths of His character and the wonders of His love. 

The song ends with the phrase: 

Goodness and mercy hunt us down

As we dwell in your house forevermore

Where is our dwelling place? Have you ever wondered if it's a conscious decision to reside in God's Word and bask in His holy presence? Imagine how much more fulfilling our lives would be if we consciously sought His presence and immersed ourselves in His Word. It's time to make that choice today and experience the transformative power of His love.