Our Hearts Shepherded

by Susan Sampson

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” So, how DO we understand what the will of the Lord is? By reading His Word.

My prayer and heart’s cry is that the Lord would give us all much grace to keep us in His Word everyday. Why do we all think we can do things on our own?! I remember I used to look forward to summer when I could “take a break” from Bible study. May I say; it never went well. Can anyone relate? Do you remember the times when you were not in Bible study? We are sheep. We are prone to wander. We do wander when left to ourselves. We need our Shepherd to care for us every single day. Sheep aren’t meant to live on their own. The wolves are merciless. The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to destroy. Sheep are meant to live life as part of a flock, under the care and supervision of a shepherd.

I know it’s hard to carve out that time. I know I consider “my” time precious. I know “family time” is a good thing and highly valued by Christian families as it should be. I know we are all “busy.” But God wants what is best for us. His ways are not our ways, they are so far higher than our ways. We don’t think as He does and we definitely don’t see as He does.

The woman is the heart of the home. If we are not carefully making the best use of our time by letting the Lord shepherd our own hearts, what makes us think we can shepherd our children’s hearts or be the godly wife the Lord has created us to be? Please know I’m speaking to myself here. Think about the times this semester if you filled out your homework accountability cards and what reason you wrote for not finishing 5 days of homework. Busyness? Being overwhelmed? Other priorities took precedence? Tired? These are the very reasons we desperately need Jesus and to be in His Word every single day. We are weak! Even Jesus Himself had to be with His Father everyday. When the tempter attacked, He fought back with God’s Word: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4).

My prayer request is that the Lord continue to plant these truths deep in our hearts and that He would bring forth a harvest of righteousness for His glory.