Psalm 95-96

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” (Psalm 95:6–7a, NKJV)

These are the lyrics to a song we sang many years ago. I love the fact that God calls me a sheep, and the Lord is my Shepherd. I need a Shepherd to feed me, to lead me, and to protect me from the enemy. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul when it is weary.

But I cannot benefit from this relationship if I am not willing to sit. I must learn to be still and bow my will before Him. This is the essence of worship. Often it is without words. It is simply the quiet resignation that He is my Shepherd, and I am His sheep. I can trust Him to take care of me.

“Today, if you will hear His voice do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness.” (Psalm 95:7b–8, NKJV)

Because we are His sheep, the Lord wants us to hear His voice. When He calls to us, He wants us to follow Him. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice. Sheep that belong to different shepherds often sleep together in the same sheep pen. But in the morning, when they hear their shepherd’s voice, they follow only him. Likewise, we hear many different voices in the world. Often they are contradictory. What a blessing it is to sift through the noise and recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd when He calls us. He guides us into all truth and sanctifies us with it. He steers us away from the enemy’s traps.

Therefore, take some extra time today to sit at His feet and listen to His voice. Invite Him to come inside and eat with you (Revelation 3:20). Maybe you have some concerns to share with Him. Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Surely, He will speak, and your heart will burn within (Luke 24:32).