Diana and I were speaking to a friend who was having a difficult time. Her challenges were in the area of health, job, and relationships—not so different from you and me. Diana offered her a prayer of encouragement, and she made a reference to the Good Shepherd. I immediately had a picture in my mind.

Go with me on this visual trip—it is a foggy morning, a thick fog. We hear someone coming our way; they are getting closer. We can begin to see the figure: it is a man, and he has a walking stick. There appears to be something on his shoulders—what is it?

Well, of course, it is each of us, being carried by the Lord! He has us tightly wrapped around his neck. The Good Shepherd has us. He knows our trials. He will leave the whole flock to search us out. He will lay down His life for us. He will gladly protect us from all harm.

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. I am the Good Shepherd and know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:11–12, 14

Lord, it is hard for us to comprehend the sacrifice You made for each of us—how You laid down Your life for us; because of what You did, You have saved us! We give You thanks for caring so much for each and every one of us. We pray that we can learn to help each other with the Good Shepherd as our example.

Have a Great Day.