Mom - The LORD is Your Shepherd

A mother’s work is a lifelong journey of nurturing, guiding, and loving her children through every stage of life. She meets her children's physical needs, feeding, clothing, and protecting them while nurturing emotional and spiritual growth. She teaches values, educates, models Christ-like character, and disciplines with grace. Through countless sacrifices, celebrations, and challenges, she shapes her child’s identity and equips them for launching into this world away from the loving refuge of home. Moms, you are a shepherd of your children and as you shepherd you too have a Great Shepherd, God Himself (Psalm 23).

Mom, God wants you to know that He is your Great Shepherd. He knows you and your work intimately, and He takes full responsibility for the welfare of you and your children. He is not distant or indifferent to your never-ending, often mundane work. He desires to be personally involved, caring, and attentive to every need of yours as you meet all the needs of your children. No matter how difficult life may seem, the Great Shepherd promises to provide for your needs, not always your wants but everything truly necessary for life and godliness (Psalm 23:1).

Mom, when you are uncertain how to move forward in your parenting tomorrow, the Great Shepherd calls you to take refuge in His green pastures. God, your Shepherd, works diligently, night and day, to meet you in every obstacle and direct you to His green pastures of rest. As you rest in Him, He will provide you exactly what is needed for your soul to be at ease and flourish as you pour yourself out for your children (Psalm 23:2).
Mom, your Great Shepherd promises refreshment and restoration, and He does so through the quiet waters of His Word. You are guaranteed that no matter what sorrow, concern or burden that comes next in motherhood you have the wisdom and grace and strength to meet that need. Run to the Shepherd’s living waters that He calls you to drink from, and then you will see clearly His path of righteousness that He has for you and your children (Psalm 23:2-3).

Mom, the day will come in motherhood when the Shepherd walks you through the valley of the shadow of death. There will be dark times but do not worry because He promises His presence. He will lead you through dark, dangerous valleys of motherhood to reach better pastures for you and your children. While the valleys are inevitable, the Shepherd’s presence is guaranteed, and He will dispel fear. God is with you in your darkest times, protecting, comforting and rescuing you with His rod and staff. The valley will be uncomfortable, but the Great Shepherd guarantees you His care even when enemies are present. God your Shepherd is your perfect protection and provision no matter what may come (Psalm 23:4-5).

Mom, your Great Shepherd pours out His Spirit, favor, abundance, attention, compassion, and personal care upon you in all your motherly efforts and duties enabling you to flourish despite life’s exasperations and pains. His grace, love and goodness will not be given in small portions, but poured out in abundance. Your Shepherd’s good and merciful gifts do not occasionally appear in your life, instead they follow you every day, no matter the circumstances, good or bad, easy or hard (Psalm 23:6). Mom, don't forget that you are Shepherded by the Great Shepherd as you shepherd.

See you Sunday, loved by the Great Shepherd: Steve