This Really Hurts

This economy thing is a total mess.  But it's more than just a national crisis; it's personal.

Two weeks ago, two people from sanctuary lost their jobs.  Last week, someone else lost another job.  In two weeks, good friends are packing up and moving across the country for work.  People I know; people you know.  All of us smothered in the overwhelming fear that things aren't about to change any time soon.

Now I'm no economist; I'm a pastor.  So while I don't know P/E's from S&P's and GDP's, I do know shepherds and sheep.  And even more specifically I know the Good Shepherd.  Therefore, it is no coincidence that we were slowly following our Good Shepherd Jesus through Psalm 23 this fall.  Because in the 23rd Psalm, God has a Word for us when it really hurts. 

When we wonder just how we're going to make it,
   God says, "I am your Shepherd."
When we suffer to live with less,
   God says, "You shall not want."
When we go without out of necessity,
   God says, "I will lead you to green pastures."
When we break because we just can't take anymore,
   God says, "I restore your soul."
When we leave to follow new roads,
   God says, "I guide in paths of righteousness."
When we fear the terror that darkens our soul,
   God says, "Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you need fear no evil, for I am with you."

I know you're hurting; with all the brokenness around, we all are.  But the promise of our God is that our Good Shepherd Jesus is with us, and he will lead us safety.  And the only way any of us will know where He's leading, is if we spend time with the Shepherd.  This holiday season, I encourage you to walk with your Shepherd:  from the Thankful Heart of Thanksgiving, to the Joy of the Savior's Birth, walk with your Shepherd and He will restore your soul.