God Is My Shelter

In review of Matthew 18:12-14 it says, “What do you think? If someone had one hundred sheep and one of them wandered off, wouldn’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go in search for the one that wandered off? If he finds it, I assure you that he is happier about having that one sheep than about the ninety-nine who didn’t wander off. In the same way, my Father who is in heaven doesn’t want to lose one of these little ones.” Matthew 18:12-14 CEB

Bottom Line:

God does not want to lose anyone.

What this means to me:

God does not want to lose me. I need to rest in his protection and not allow myself to be ever drawn away.

Today's shorter passage comes from the middle of Matthew Chapter 18. Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the lost sheep. In it, Jesus speaks of a man who owns a hundred sheep, but finds that one of them has wandered off. Jesus said, wouldn't the man leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?  If he does find it, wouldn't he rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away!  In the same way, it is not the heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish.

From my understanding, our heavenly Father does not wish to lose anyone. He is very concerned about having a restored relationship with all.  When a sheep leaves the protection of his shepherd or owner, he becomes vulnerable.

In my own life, I know there are times when I have questioned, doubted, and eventually wandered from God’s presence. In those times, I like the lost sheep, have left His shelter. Psalm 91:1 NIV says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” When I willingly choose to leave His presence and no longer dwell with Him, I also choose to leave His protection as well.

What ultimately happens outside of God’s shelter and rest is emotional turmoil. This can translate into division in the home, conflict at work, or any number of other stresses from which God longs to shelter me. So, when life becomes difficult, I need to learn to take joy in His shelter and count it a blessing to be called one of His sheep.

This morning Father, in spite of all the labels I am given, and all of the duties I perform in my day-to-day life, do not let me lose sight of who I am in You. Let me stay grounded in Your Word, always, as I seek Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name.