A phrase that I recently read in a scripture has lingered in my heart for the last few days. When I read it, the words instantly touched my heart and I felt loved. Even though I did not hear Him speak these words thousands of years ago, I could hear the tenderness with which He spoke them. I could hear the tenderness with which He is still speaking them.

Fear not, little flock… (Luke 12:32, KJV)

The Lord is my Shepherd. He watches over me. He watches over His flock. We have nothing to fear. There is no fear in love.

In these difficult times, in these perilous times we are not like those without a shepherd. We are not without someone to tenderly lead us and guide us through the fray; leading us to still and peaceful waters.

…you’ve taken me by the hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. (Psalm 73:24, The Message)

…he leads me beside peaceful streams. (Psalm 23:2, NLT)

Just as sheep are not responsible for finding their own nourishment, for providing their own safety, for finding their own way in this life, neither are we. What sheep are responsible for is by faith following the Shepherd wherever and however He leads.

…he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4, KJV)

THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23:1-6, KJV)

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they? …Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these… (Matthew 6:26-29, KJV)

…seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:31-32, KJV)