In this reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Each day, you’ll come here to read the description of the name we’re studying today and a brief explanation of how God’s character is seen through His name. (Remember that because the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, some of God’s names are written in the English form of His name from their original language.) You can then head to today’s passages to see how this name functions in Scripture.
SHEPHERD: God as our provider and caretaker
In Psalm 23, David wrote of the Lord as a shepherd: He leads His sheep to calm pasture to eat, He leads them to water to drink, He keeps them on the right path, and He uses His rod and staff to protect them. In John 10, Jesus called Himself “the good shepherd.” He outlined His similar responsibilities: He laid down His life to protect His sheep, He gathers His sheep, and He speaks over His sheep. As He fulfills the name Shepherd, it doesn’t just reveal His role as our protective, sacrificial caretaker; it also reveals our role to remain loyal to and dependent upon Him.
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152 thoughts on "Shepherd"
Thank you Jesus for being my Good Shepherd. For laying your life down on my behalf. Thank you for bringing me into the Fold. Thank you for guiding me and leading me with your staff to live in righteousness!
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Praying for you Tina!
Please keep Texas in your prayers.
Praying for you all today! ❤️
Echoing CEE GEE. ❤️
*This was to be a reply to TAMI
Hi ladies. It is with a heavy heart that I share that my brother BJ passed away this morning. No more pain and suffering. Thank you all for your faithful prayers.
Bless your heart, Tami! I know you fought really hard with him and I pray God’s peace and comfort cover you, B.J’s girls, and the rest of the family. Hugs, sister! ❤
Yes, amen. Thank you Tami for sharing your heart with us, I’m sending you a big, long hug. And prayers of course. Lifting his 2 girls up to feel the comfort of the Lord, and to know that God is the ultimate healer!
So sorry Tami, continuing to pray for your family. So hard on all of you but now he is not suffering anymore.
So sorry for you and your family.
Tami, so so very sorry for your loss.i will continue to pray for you and the wider family.hugs covered in prayers. X
Praying for you Tami and your brother’s family. My condolences. Hugs and love dear sister.
Dear Tami, my heart breaks for you and your family! I have prayed that God would be merciful toward BJ and take him home. No more tears and no more pain! Praise the Lord! May God cover you, his girls, and the rest of your family in His comfort and peace! Love you, dear sister! ❤️
Amen! Hugs and prayers for strength and comfort as the family travels this journey of grief.
I’m so sorry
Tami….I’m so very sorry. May the Lord’s great comfort and strength be near
Praying for you, Tami.
Psalm 23 offers so much comfort. I have to say it spoke to me the most, but the parable about the shepherd looking for his lost sheep also brings so much comfort.
I still feel a little foggy from the anesthesia. Thank you for all your prayers. They removed 5 tiny polyps. I was hoping for none as I had zero 11 years ago.
Praying for accuracy with the testing, Traci, and that no follow up is needed. Please keep us posted. .❤
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. For He shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ. When my heart trembles in the valley of the shadows of death, of depression, of thick darkness, loneliness, burnout, He leads me to stillness. He taught me to rest. “Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, I will give you rest”. When my thoughts are tossed and scattered in the what-ifs of life, He gently makes me lie down to rest my thoughts on green pastures. He restores my soul from sorrow, weariness, from the wounds of battles and warfare, from the ache of life and its demands. He knows the silent burdens I carry and the words I cannot speak. His rod corrects me when I wander to the easy paths. His staff comforts me in His sure guidance and boundaries. He is not only the shepherd of my path, but the Overseer of my soul, in tender truth, in guidance, and sacrificial love. He laid down his life for me, and promised me, surely His goodness and mercy will follow me. “He will tend his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). My cup overflows with His goodness, not with fear, doubt, but the oil of gladness, and the blessings of His nearness. “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God”. Glory forever and ever to the Shepherd and the Overseer of our souls. Be blessed dear sisters.
Excellent, Mercy! ❤
Yes, Indeed, thank you Mercy!
Amen ❤️
Dear Shes
The Parable of the Lost Sheep found in the Gospels of Matthew & Luke. The Good Shepherd leaves the flock to find the one lost out of 100 sheep. Who among us hasn’t been that lost, wanton, weakened, disheartened sheep at one time or another. And being sought, pursued, claimed, celebrated by God through Christ. Isn’t that what’s called “amazing Grace”?
AMEN, Gwineth! I can say only by His beautiful grace.
Amen, well said, Gwineth52. I love you short powerful words of wisdom!!!❤️
Amen! ❤
When life feels chaotic, when you’re unsure which way to go, or when you’re just plain tired—remember this name: Ro’i. He is your Shepherd. Not distant. Not disinterested. He sees where you are and goes before you. This name reminds us that we are not alone. We are led. We are protected. We are known.
Wholeheartedly, Ashley M!
The very end of 1 Peter 2 hit me hard: but now you have returned to your Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
What a powerful statement that I can take so lightly. Jesus is the overseer of my soul and therefore I lack nothing in Him because he knows me so intimately. Praise Jesus.
Me too.
Yes!❤️
Eighty-one comments already this morning at 7:00AM here in California! I texted Rhonda J this morning excited to read in Psalm 23! WE all have probably read this and had it read to us many, many times and it still ministers to us greatly. There is so much comfort and assurance in this psalm. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. MY Jesus is all I need. Even when I’ve walked through the darkest valleys,(as I’m sure most of you have) though I was SO scared, I know my Jesus was with me! I never doubted His presence. I love the last part of verse 6, …”and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER!” I can’t wait!! Happy Tuesday sweet She’s!
I totally agree Mari! This chapter provides so much comfort no matter how many times I read it.
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Thank you She’s for praying for my former hairdresser Montinque. I did not have time to acknowledge everyone’s comment because I was super busy at work!
One of my study Bible’s mentioned David had two roles; he was both a sheep and a shepherd (king of Israel)
Just studying the Bible I observed to qualify for leadership roles you don’t get a MBA from Havard or Yale. You have to go to Shepherd School. This was not a glamorous job.
Interestingly to me, when announced the birth of Jesus, He,G-d, chose shepherds watching their flocks. Shepherd were considered rogues because of their nomadic lifestyles.
They were considered ceremonially unclean.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd,could always identify with the rough and tumble crowd! The exhalted,high, and lifted up Son of God went in for the renegade and rebels.
A random one woman recognized in the Bible as a shepherdess. Rachel in the book of Genesis 29:9. Perhaps there were others. Not everyone had sons or servants.
Wasn’t Moses’ wife one too?
So was little David.
How is your work situation update? Did you find a new opportunity after the sudden wrongful accusation? I have been praying for you and was very happy to read “busy at work” :)
I am still at the same place. God has made it good.I truly appreciate those prayers. I wanted to leave just out of “pure mad”. However, finding the same pay or more would be difficult but not for God. I really, really, really like my job.
Wow. Praise God that you stayed despite pure mad. Beautiful.
I never thought about Rachel being a shepherdess; I only thought of her in relation to her story of her marriage to Jacob. (How very set in my 20th century American stereotypes I am.) Thank you for pointing this out.
Whenever I read Psalms 23, I always add ya feel like verse 1 sums it all up
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” I’m no theologian but just simple me, if God is my Shepherd, I’m good. He is going to take care of whatever comes my way!
He has and always will.
Praying for all the families and others affected by the flood in Texas and other states as well. And those who live in areas of drought!
Amen. Yes, that is a simple truth to know. IF he is my shepherd, I am good.
If you have never read “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” or “Lessons from a Sheepdog” by Phillip Keller, I highly recommend them. Keller spent time as a shepherd and has a beautiful way of connecting that experience to the imagery we see in Scripture.
I have heard of this book. I need to read it!
The imagery of the shepherd caring for the sheep at the end of the day- checking for and doctoring wounds,applying oil to keep bugs away so the sheep could sleep well and in peace, giving water, and after all that, lying in the gate to protect them from predators and to keep them safe in the fold – is so powerful, endearing, and comforting.
(Inspired by Wiersbe’s commentary).
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Apologies for the length but since we’re studying the Names of God, this caught my eye – also from Warren Wiersbe Study Bible:
Psalm 23:1
The LORD” is Jehovah God, Yahweh, the covenant-making God of Israel. The compound names of Yahweh in the Old Testament reflect the contents of this psalm.
“I shall not want”—Yahweh-Yireh, “The-LORD-Will-Provide” (Gen. 22:14)
“still waters”—Yahweh-Shalom, “The-LORD-Is-Peace” (Judg. 6:24)
“restores my soul”—Yahweh-Rapha, “the LORD who heals” (Ex. 15:26)
“paths of righteousness”—Yahweh-Tsidqenu, “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer. 33:16)
“You are with me”—Yahweh-Shammah, “THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezek. 48:35)
“in the presence of my enemies”—Yahweh-nissi, “The-LORD-Is-My-Banner” (Ex. 17:15)
“anoint my head”—Yahweh-M’Qadash, “the LORD who sanctifies you” (Lev. 20:8)
David’s sheep-view of God guides us into the most intimate relationship that a creature can have with his or her Creator.
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I, too, thought of the song Still Waters, especially since I just heard it on the way to lunch yesterday!
Thanks again to all you sisters who prayed!!! ❤
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I also am reminded of the hymn, “Surely Goodness and Mercy” by Alfred B. Smith and John W. Peterson, 1958. We sang that often in my growing up years.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Love this CeeGee ❤️
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Thanks for sharing the way the names of God are related to Psalm 23! I love that!
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Love this!
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Love, love Wiersbe! I need to replace mu OT commentary. It is so raggedy with missing pages.
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Love this! Thank you for sharing ❤️
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Please never apologize my dear Cee Gee. This is golden information, the more the better. Thank you so much for researching and taking time to share with us. I love it. Hugs and love ♥️♥️♥️.
❤ Thank you, too, Mercy! Hugs and love back!
Such a great comfort and peace that our Good Shepherd brings and the sweet words of Psalm 23. He leads, protects, guides, carries, sustains, is ever present, faithful. He tends to every part of our lives and our hearts.
Thank you Lord ❤️
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Praying for you, Tina
I’m not sure if it peaked anyone else’s interest or not, but I learned about the differences in the Hebrew Ro’i and Ro’Eh. Both of these words do mean shepherd, but Ro’i is a possessive form. The LORD is •my• shepherd. Ro’Eh is more descriptive of the role, like in the Ezekiel passage. The more you know!
Love this, thank you!
Thank you, for that comment!
Our Shepherd. Our GOOD Shepherd, that loves his flock and cares for it, even going to find the other sheep and bringing them in. For He is the Shepherd of all.
It’s harder for us in today’s time for this imagery because not many have had the career of a shepherd. But we could look at it as mothering our children. Trying to care for them, teach them, keep them in line. And when we see other children, our mothering mold, wants to bring them in to our fold and make them feel loved and wanted. We want to protect them fiercely physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Lord, our Shepherd wants to protect and guard us in all ways, love us and shelter, and see to it we are well fed and have water. That is our Spiritual food (the bread, the word) and the living water.
Phil Wickham (with Tiffany Hudson) has a good version of “Psalm 23.” I just listened to it last night.
I love Phil Wickham’s version of Psalm 23! People & Songs have another really good one.
Good morning Rhonda! I was SO happy to have talked to you and “hear” your actual voice!! I’ll have to listen to that song, not sure if I heard it before. Enjoy your day in beautiful Florida!
Tina, you are wrapped in our love and fervent prayers today❣️
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Thank you Jesus.
Trusting in You Father, I know that is always my struggle. Holy Spirit help me to let go and let God. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen for me as well ❤️
Always awed by the willing sacrifice of our eternal Shepherd. Thank you, Lord!
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Praying for the flooded areas in Texas – the injured, the families of those lost, the rescuers, searchers, the long recovery from the physical devastation of the area and especially the Lord’s comfort for the scores of heartbroken families.
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Still Waters (Psalm 23), by Leanna Crawford (written by Justin Richards, Jonathan Gamble, Leanna Crawford)
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CEE GEE ❤️❤️❤️
MERCY ❤️
TRACI GENDRON – ❤️ praying for you in today’s procedure
RHONDA J ❤️
TANYA praying for Montinque and the young man driving, what heartbreak.
KIMBERLY ❤️
DONNA SIMMONS – praying for your family member’s surgery today
LYNNE FROM AL – praying things are going well in the job
MICHELLE P – praying for you, your workplace and coworkers
I am with you in the prayers!
I thought of Still Waters, too. Such a beautiful song and comforting reminder! ❤❤❤
Praying over these requests as well as others.
❤️ Oh sister, raging flood water vs. still water. Joining you in prayers.
Ezekiel 34:16a “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak.”
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You are indeed faithful to do this Lord. Thank You.
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TANYA – joining you in prayer for Monique, her family, and the young man.
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TRACI GENDRON – praying all goes smoothly with your procedure today. May you tangibly sense JESUS with you.
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Continuing to pray for the tragic situation in Texas.
Amen
Kelly… that verse also jumped off the page for me… “Bring back the Strays”! Yes Lord… Do It! ❤️❤️❤️
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Oh, my goodness, I somehow how read past the “bring back the strays” part. Thank you so much for pointing it out. I have some dear strays. Please, Lord, let it be.
Anyone else think the ad at the bottom for the Advent study was super distracting and unnecessary? Hoping it won’t stay until the sale is over.
Hebrews 13:20 has always been a favorite of mine, “God of peace” May he guard and guide you all today.
Agreed about the ad!
Hi LT! We’re really sorry the ad got in the way. I was able to hit an ‘x’ in the top right corner of the ad to make it disappear. Are you seeing this option on your end?
It is distracting.
Good morning, Linda! We understand and deeply apologize. I was able to hit an ‘x’ in the top right corner of the ad to make it disappear. Are you seeing this option on your end?
I was able to close it, otherwise I would have been twitchy ;p
Hey Allison! We’re so sorry that the ad was distracting. I was able to hit an ‘x’ in the top right corner of the ad to make it disappear. Are you seeing this option on your end?
To the point that I’m leaving SRT. Bye bye
Hey Sandi! We’re very sorry, and we hope you’ll stay. I was able to hit an ‘x’ in the top right corner of the ad to make it disappear. Are you seeing this option on your end?
I have the X on my desktop but not on my ipad early this morning. It was frustrating. Maybe just use the top header for the preorder in red and skip the large footer that blocks out the devo/comments. thanks
Yep, I had no way to x it out, and I could barely see the comments. But then, after refreshing it went away. Hope it’s not there every day now.
I’m sorry to hear the X was not available on your iPad! We appreciate your feedback, and I am happy to pass it along to the appropriate team members. Thank you for being a part of our community!
Father God, our Shepherd,
Please touch Sandi’s heart to come back here with us to study Your word together. Amen. ❤️
Yes, Allison, pop up ads are everywhere & evermore annoying! The realty & reflection of the digital marketplace. Even one as familiar & beloved as the SRT platform.
Prayers for you Tina. May your heart be protected and your body healed by our great Shepherd. I have a family member going thru surgery this morning as well. Lord please comfort and heal these ladies
Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (Hebrews 15:20-21)
Dear Father, help me be yielded to Your working every good thing in me so I can please You! Amen.
Amen!
1 Peter 2:23 stood out to me. Especially the part “…continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” I need to continue to grow to be more like Jesus. He did not take revenge or take things in his own hands, but just trusted that God is just and that there will be a day he will judge. I need to work on my patience in this way. Having a longer view and trusting God’s justice will have the final say.
Having a longer view and trusting God’s justice will have the final say.
So good! Thank you❤️
Agree! This world focuses on the right now, praying we can all have the patience to wait on God’s plan to be revealed in His timing.
Amen! ❤
Me too!!!
Before I had done anything else, seeing the title Sheperd, my mind went straight to Psalm 23..
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This Psalm has soothed my soul, many a time, many, many times, truly. In times when words have failed me, when my voice had no sound, when, I knew it, but couldn’t verbalise it, Psalm 23 and the rememberance of who my Shepherd was, always calmed my heart, my soul, my mind.
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Today I go for an MRI, aa life is throwing me lemons i do not want to catch..
I am scared..
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BUT GOD..
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MYy Shepherd.. watches over me, gives me peace when the overwhelming fears come. He protects me, He restores my soul.
Even though I walk through this valley of uncertainty, His rod and staff, His protection and loving care, they comfort me.
My cup overflows with His goodness and love, He gives and has given me peace, and whilst I dwell in His house, under His protective gracious love and grace, He is with me.. always..
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The LORD is my Shepherd…
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Amen..
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Soliciting prayers dear hearts. Scary stuff right now…
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BUT GOD..
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Happy Tuesday my dears, covered in prayers, requested and otherwise, and wrapped in love..❤️
I’m praying for you,Tina
Praying for you, Tina!
So sorry you are having to go through this ordeal Tina.
Praying you know God’s peace and comfort in a very special way.
I’m praying for you right now, Tina.
With love that His peace that passes understanding will be with you today. Prayers for a smoothe procedure and comfort knowing your SRT sisters stand in the gap for you!
Praying for you, Tina.
Praying, Tina, for the MRI and the results. ❤️
We’ve got you, Tina!
May the Lord’s peace flood your heart and mind.
Good Shepherd, be with Tina today during this difficult time. May she feel your
Tina, praying for your peace, thanking the Lord for His healing power to flow in and through you
Lifting you up in prayer today, Tina. Your daily commentaries often bring me peace and comfort. May the prayers said on your behalf today bring you the same.
Praying Tina!
May the direct your heart into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. Praying his peace is all over you and as you say wrapped in His hugs.
I prayed for you this morning, Tina and will continue. But, God… ❤️
Praying for you Tina! You have been such an encouragement to me for years! God is holding you through this. Praying for good results and no further complications or issues.
I am praying for you Tina – hugs and love ❤️
Praying so hard for you Tina. Peace in the waiting and the knowledge of His arms wrapped so tightly around you.
Praying for you, Tina!
Prayers for God’s comfort peace and presence to flow through you and abide with you dear Tina
I’m sorry you are facing concerning uncertainty. Have prayed for you right now❤️
Praying for you, Tina, as you wait for the results today. May our Great Shepherd bring you peace, healing, and comfort!
May our Shepard stay close to you on this difficult day, Tina. May you feel His strength and comfort as you go through the MRI and process the results when they come. God bless you and keep you. Sending you hugs from this side of the pond ✝️
Oh, Tina, I will be praying for you through this day and the days of waiting for results! Prayers also for the technician and the ones ‘reading’ the image- clear picture and accurate read. Thank you for sharing this need. Sending big sister hugs from across the pond and joining hands with our sisters lifting you in prayer. Love you! ❤
Praying for you, Tina.
Praying for you Tina. Be well and be in God’s perfect peace. My friend once gave me this thought, which I keep on my fridge so I am always reminded of His power…
My Child,
I have heard your prayers. Trust my timing.
Love,
God
Praying for God to comfort you Tina and help you not to be afraid.
Psalm 23 was the first Scripture I memorized as a child…I remember the day that I committed to doing it from a plaque in our guest room.
A few years later, Psalm 121 became another safe place…I am praying for you today ✝️ precious Tina ✝️, looking to the Maker of Heaven and Earth, asking Him to “not let your foot be moved”, calling on the promise that “He who keeps you will not slumber”.
These Psalms are among the prayers that sustained me all those years ago as I recited in an MRI tube (that feels to many like a coffin) as they scanned my head (in my mind so that my jaw wouldn’t move).
I pray that you are flooded with more peace than your heart and mind can hold and that He would take these lemons and bring you to “refreshment” soon… praying you are not called to the difficult squeezing that leads to lemonade but perhaps the tiniest squeeze that brightens a glass of water (those moments you have convicted me over the years make a life richer in Christ).
Much love to you ❤️ wrapping my arms so tightly around you.
Hugs and prayers for you sweet Tina! ❤️
Oh, our dear Tina. I am sorry for this distress you are feeling. By the time I woke up (early, even!) in Colorado, your MRI is likely finished, but the waiting may not be. A quote by James Bryan Smith came to mind for you: “I am one in whom God dwells and delights. I live in the unshakeable kingdom of God. The kingdom is not in trouble, and neither am I.” I pray that you will be able to rest in the knowledge that you are held in your shepherd’s capable and loving care. We love you!❤️
The whole song Even If by MercyMe comes to mind… especially these lines…”I know You’re able, and I know you can save through the fire with Your mighty hand, but even if You don’t, my hope is in You alone … You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good all of my days. Jesus, I will cling to You come what may,’cause I know You’re able. I know You can…”
Reminds me of “But God…” and ends with “It is well with my soul.”
God’s got this – let Him lead – trust and obey. Love, hugs, and prayers as you walk this journey of faith.
Praying Tina that you feel the shepherds care around you today!
Praying for you Tina! Peace and comfort in the waiting. And for a good outcome!
I will be praying for you during this trial that you are currently going through- that God will be glorified through your life during this time of uncertainty and fear. Praying that He will provide you with just what you need and that others will see Him through You. Thank you for encouraging us through the years….know that we can be your “mat carriers” who bring you before the feet of our loving Savior.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I love that…we are each others “mat carriers.” Yes, we are lowering you down to Jesus today, through the roof!
Praying for you Tina that God would calm your heart and fears♥️ Psalm 23 is what I pray as I am undergoing various scans/tests. If I’m able to have music I listen to “Peace” can’t remember off the top of my head who sings it. But I feel comfort listening to the words and music♥️♥️♥️
Praying for you Tina! May our Heavenly Father bring you peace as you navigate these tests.
Just follow the conversation thread, the prayer litany, the overarching love revealed for you, dear Tina. May you find peace in whatever valley alongside whatever water. Abide in Him, as He abides in you.
Prayers Tina, I hope you will get good news. Hugs and love.❤️
Oh dear Tina, I’m late in seeing this as I had my procedure this morning. Praying now! For comfort, peace, wisdom from your doc, patience in the waiting.
Praying for you, Tina. Praying for good results and the peace only God can provide. Love and hugs to you!
Dear Tina. I’m praying all went well today and that you will have speedy results.
Dear Tina, I am just reading your post now. Sending you prayers for answers and a good outcome from your MRi. Much love ❤️
Prayers and hugs, Tina.
I am behind as my grandkids have been visiting. Tina, I am praying for you in these waiting. You are so loved and appreciated by all of us. God is faithful and praying you feel the comfort of the Good Shepherd as you wait for results!
Gentle shepherd how i love you.