The Care of the Good Shepherd
“As a shepherd seeks out his flock… so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness…”
Ezekiel 34:12
Not long ago, I came across this image of one of my old pen-and-ink drawings. It was one of the first sketches I did back in the early 70s, holding pens in my mouth. Just looking at it brought back a flood of memories. I drew it at a time when I was tired of being so depressed, yet still struggling spiritually.
I was trying to find my way through this thing called quadriplegia.
I knew, though, that the best way to leave depression behind was to take small, but forward-looking, Christ-centered steps toward a more hopeful future. My sister set me up with a Bible and a mouth stick—so I could flip through the pages, back and forth—and I spent hours pouring over passages, looking for answers to many questions.
I kept landing on the idea of Jesus being the Good Shepherd. So, I sketched that idea in pen and ink – it sure helped keep my focus on Jesus and his tender care.
Many people are familiar with the words of Psalm 23, a wonderful passage that shapes our image of Jesus as our shepherd.
But I also love the way the old prophet paints the same image in Ezekiel 34:11-16: “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness… I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak…” (ESV).
Isn’t that wonderful? When clouds of fear or grief obscure his presence… when the darkness of depression leaves us feeling lost and alone, God will seek us out. He will bring us back to the protection of his care.
And one more thing, do you see the way this drawing is signed in the corner? It’s Joni PTL. That PTL stands for Praise the Lord. In those early years as I struggled to leave the darkness of depression behind me, one of my best offensive weapons was praising God. So, I put that little PTL as part of my signature.
I wanted my name to always be connected with praising the Lord!
Friend, if you’re struggling with a bit of world-weariness; if it seems darkness is deepening, meditate on what the Good Shepherd means to you. He himself will rescue you out of the darkness. He will have you lie down on lush, green pastures. He will bind up your injuries and strengthen you.
And one of the best ways he does that? Is through your praise. Join me in always connecting your name to the Name of Jesus, your tender Shepherd!
–Joni Eareckson Tada
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