Sometimes the most random songs and random moments speak to my heart and the truth lingers. The other day I was driving to the post office and I listened to this song by a new artist. The truth of this song has echoed so many thoughts I’ve had recently. It was called, “Shepherd” by Katy Dahl. Scroll down to listen.
Thinkin’ over where I have been
Where time has gone and where time was spent
And I know that it was all a part of Your plan
Things that happened that don’t make sense
Things that I’ve done that I regret
But I know that You are working it all for my good
When I read the lyrics again, I realized God was asking me to surrender my plans, dreams, and hopes for the future again. Every so often He needs to remind me of the truth that He is leading me and although I might have dreams and plans, He is shepherding me. As I read through the familiar Psalm 23, I often want to focus on what God will provide when things are “tough.” I see the verses that say “valley of death” or “in the presence of my enemies.”
Instead, God is whispering me that He is my shepherd in the everyday moments of my life. He is faithfully shepherding me through the good days and the bad days. So when my eyes get focused on the future – the plans I’ve made, I need to remember God is the one I need to find as I move forward. My eyes must never leave my Savior.
The past will cloud my view of Him as well. The regrets, the pain, the grief, the heartache, and the fears will always be redeemed by the Shepherd. I love this line in the song: “What is seen is not always a reality for me.” You see, often I see what is in front (or behind me), but God says keep my eyes on Him and He will guide each step.
Not just the path, but the STEPS of the good men are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). So I hang on to the truth of Psalm 23 and realize my Shepherd is faithful to redeem my past and will lead me into the future with Him. So I had to let go of my dreams. I literally have to hold out my hand and open it palm up, realizing my dreams to God. If the past has taught me anything, it is letting God have our dreams mean they will come true in ways we cannot even expect.
I’ve never ever regretted giving God my dreams, my plans, and trusting Him to guide me. Never have I been disappointed in the Great Shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. – Psalm 23 (NKJV)
