Come back to the sheep fold?

At nearly every funeral I have ever been to Psalm 23 has been sung. Known as the 'Lord is my shepherd' it is also used as the theme song for the Vicar of Dibley. I have been re-reading the words and trying to figure out what it is that makes it one of the most asked for hymns at funerals. I believe that it is because it is so very consoling. It reminds us of the relationship between us and God our creator. Saying that God is like a Shepherd in the way that he cares for us. It is a way of describing the relationship that still works for those that live in the country. But we need to be aware in biblical times the shepherd would have lived with their sheep for months at a time.

The psalm is saying that we are sheep to God's shepherding. Whether we view that as a flattering or unflattering thought it still tells us about how we depend on God for so many things. A good shepherd will look after his sheep from birthing them as lambs onwards. Finding water for them. Finding good pastures for them. Leading them to shelter when it is stormy. Rescuing them when they get caught in thorn bushes or stuck on a crag. The flip side is a bad uncaring shepherd could destroy his flock through lack of care.

We as sheep need to listen to the voice of the shepherd calling us. They say sheep literally do know their shepherds voice. If they don't they can perish.

Some things in life bring us up short. Funerals being one of them, then we can find ourselves asking am I living the way that I should? What will happen if I carry on like this? We have but one shot at our life. But all of us are capable with the help of God of making changes, making mid course corrections. Maybe we need to let the shepherd find us again. To learn once again to hear the voice of a shepherd on my life. Calming and correcting me and leading me to nourishment.

Dear Lord, shepherd of my soul. I ask your blessings on my life. At times I have been like a sheep without a shepherd wandering without direction. Help my restless heart to find it's way back to you. Fill me afresh with your peace and lead me onwards. Amen

For Reflection:

Psalm 23 - A psalm of David (NIV).

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
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 overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.