One of my favourite memes is the sheep that gets scooped out of the ditch by the shepherd only to unknowingly hop right back in with the caption, “How God probably feels about caring for me most days.” It is somewhat ironic, this psalm, which declares that we humans want for nothing because of God’s provision, only for us in the next breath, to complain or bemoan that we do not have enough. In a world that teaches us to go our own way, and to always be wanting and searching for more, the psalmist reminds us that with God we have everything we need, including a God who will scoop us up and out of the same ditch as many times as necessary.
As we move towards the Fourth Sunday of Easter, we move closer to what is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” in the Easter season and Christian calendar. What does it mean for us today, in the year of our Lord 2025, to call God, Jesus, not only our shepherd, but our good shepherd? To trust that Jesus will care and provide for us in all things and through all things, including our very selves.
Shepherd me, O God, particularly on the days when I’m more interested in jumping back into the pit. Amen. —