Sheep are creatures of habit. They will follow the same trails until they become ruts. They will graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes. They will pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites. However, a good shepherd will regularly move them to different pastures. When the shepherd leads them to a fresh field, even the older ewes will often kick up their heels and leap with excitement!

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3

Just as sheep will blindly and habitually follow one another along the same little trails until they erode into gigantic gullies, people cling to the same habits that ruin their lives. Yet Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

As you pray and read God’s Word each day, ask the Good Shepherd of your soul to lovingly guide you onto new ground with Him. The Lord has greater abundance, health and wholeness waiting for you! Pray also for America’s leaders to discover that a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only path toward real, lasting hope and peace.

Recommended Reading: John 10:1-9