Week 9
Psalm 95:7 “For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.”
How we see God and ourselves says a great deal about us. Nothing in life works right until we have a proper perception of God and ourselves. It is not until we have a correct view of our God that we can have a true view of ourselves, and how we see ourselves determines everything in our lives.
For the Christian, we see God as “our God.” This is amazing, but it is absolutely true! The God of the universe is OUR God; the Creator God of heaven and earth is ours!
And we are His; we belong to Him. We are “the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” He is ours because we are His, and we are His by virtue of His sovereign free saving grace through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
This understanding of reality and self sets us free and forms our security and assurance. It gives us a definition for life, and it explains who we are. And it sets the boundaries for our thinking and our work in this world.
The words “pasture” and “sheep” have a very special connotation for the child of God. This suggests divine care, provision, and providential protection. Though we trudge through a world alien to our life in Christ, we are still here on this earth the “people of His pasture.” This means that even in this fallen world we live in the daily and constant care of our Good Shepherd. We are the “sheep of His hand.” Thus, His hand guides us, touches us softly with love, and with strength He defends us.
To understand this covenant relationship that God has with us characterizes everything in our lives. We know who we are, who we are, and why we are here. We are here because God put us here, and we are here on this earth to enjoy Him and bring Him glory. This gives life meaning, purpose, and direction. We are not rudderless; instead, we know the path that we must walk. We are His by virtue of His saving grace; thus, we must honor Him and obey Him all of our lives.
Christian friend, when life becomes complicated and you are faced with doubts and uncertainties, come back to this unalterable truth: The Lord God is YOUR God, and you belong to Him; you must honor Him, and He will take care of you. It is in this context that our life compass points back to its true “north” and we get our bearings again. Confusion will be dispelled when the magnificent truth of your relationship with God becomes the structure and essence of your existence. Come home and keep going!
Prayer: Dear Lord, there are times when I forget who I am. But I know that my perception of self must be based on remembering that I belong to You. Help me this day to obey You, worship You, honor You, and serve You well. Deliver me from rebellion and confusion by reminding me that I belong to You, and You will take care of me. Amen.