the Shepherd's voice

Wrote this some time ago and it has been on the computer doing nothing. Thought might share it here, in case it was helpful for someone.

Sometimes God feels absent. He seems silent.

Long absences and a lack of communication feed insecurity and pave the way for other voices. You can be deceived into thinking someone doesn't love you. You take their silence to mean rejection; when you cannot see them you lack assurance. Weakness and tiredness make us even more susceptible to doubt. You can imagine the most outrageous unfaithfulness, forgetfulness, or become convinced that you cannot possibly be love-able.

And then you hear the voice of one who loves you. Love which reverberates through every syllable; love that can't be denied. When God feels absent it takes an effort to remember the last time we heard his voice or sensed his presence. But he is always faithful, never forgetful.

When the sheep hear the shepherd's voice, they know it. All other voices are exposed for what they really are. The shepherd does not desert his sheep when the wolves of terror appear, when doubt breaks into the fold, when fear snaps at the heels of the lambs. He does not walk away from the sheep that, in straying too far, has become ensnared by thorns. Rather, he de-tangles the sheep from her prison and carries her safely home.
(John 10:1-15)

Today: 4/10, medium

at our weakest

'When we are at our weakest, our eyes turn once more to Christ as the true source of our strength. When other voices are silent, we are most willing to hear Christ's words of comfort and challenge. When others pass by, we turn again to rediscover the tender embrace of our Lord. It is in such moments that Christ draws near, seeking to renew and redirect us.'

Alister McGrath, Knowing Christ

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Note on photograph: a nicely timed drive led to a lovely view of the sun going down over the sea!

Today: 4-5/10, low - medium