My Shepard is Greater than the Wolf
I live among the wolves, clad in the wilderness of untamed destiny. The forest is dark with fearful furrows that widdle themselves through the tall surrounding trees. In the confusion of this unfamiliar landscape, a wolf cries. A piercing and bizarre sound to the ears. The odd medley of stretched howls, yips, and yelps barked out in alarm can be heard through all nightly hours. Whimpers and whines cascade over your senses, irritating the nerves already on edge. Some only know the wolf by their infamous howl, but I have come to learn that the wolves have an extensive repertoire of sounds. The eeriest of all the vocalizations that I have heard a wolf make is a bleating.
Matthew 7:15-20), "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits."
A sound originated from their own wolfish hearts and minds, filling you with false hope. They speak of loyalty. Signifying family, communication, wisdom, financial gain, and intelligence. But truly, their only loyalty lies within their own self-interests. They don’t tell you what is right. They seek only to bring more confusion to the already disorienting situation. Baa and bleat of nice things… of lies. They promise peace when truly it is destruction that approaches. Panting out false visions, divinations, idolatries, and the delusions of their own minds.
Yes, I live among the wolves. I live among ravenous appetites, deceptive body language, and vehement speech. But I do not live among them alone. I know the one who has called me out into this wilderness to behold Him, to worship Him. The terrain is unfamiliar, and the inhabitants are disingenuous. I am often afraid and uncertain. I have become acquainted with new portions of agony and stress. But again, I am reminded that I am not the only one. I am not defenseless. My shepherd guards me with His life. He has led me to this land, and I know He loves me more than a hired hand.
John 10:11-15, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
I know the wolves fear my protector more than I fear their bite. His rod and staff are truly a comfort to me. I may still hear their pitchy melodies carried through the furrows and trees around me, but an empty threat is all it is. I know they will keep their distance as I lie under His wing. His word guards my heart against the clamor of the wolves that echo in the dark valley.
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.”
Lord, my vision is small. Forgive me for my hesitancy in stepping out. This new place you have brought me to is hard. But I know you will not forsake me. You will sustain me here, and I will worship you here in the land I am living in. I will behold you here. And sing of your great character. I lift my eyes to the Holy One. To the one who is worthy. May every false, lying wolf be put to death in my life until only Your truth remains. Guard me from false prophets and disappointment. Keep me, O’God, that I might not stray from Your folds of love.
I lift my eyes to where my help comes from, O Mighty One of Israel. You have done it for them. I know You will do it for me. You died not for that nation only, but also that You should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. You alone have fought back the wolves and won. From generation to generation, You are faithful. I will trust in just that. My God, I know You hear my prayers and are swift to comfort my cries. I will rest in your arms and await Your timing for the plans over my life. I love You, Jesus. No one could ever take your place in my life, in my heart, or in my mind. I belong to You, and I love that. I only want room for the good fruits You have set aside for me to bear, and I only want Your good and faithful treasures to be stored up in my heart. In Jesus’ mighty and precious name, Amen.