The Shepherd's Heart

by: Sis. Mardy Rito

A lone tree standing on an open field is prone to all tests of nature but the reason why it remains standing shows its strength with in and the endurance it possesses. A ship on the harbor remains anchored on the shore after the strike of a super typhoon. Affected by the big waves? Yes. Shaken by the current? Yes. But it was not carried away by the great waves. Why? Because of the strong anchor that secures it.

A Christian, who has suffered a lot of troubles and problems but remains to be a Christian and still doubling his effort to serve the Lord, shows a good example of a steadfast person. Why are there persons that easily give up and turn their back to the church? Why do they easily get discourage and can immediately decide to return to their old ways? How can we avoid these things to happen to us? How can we, as Christians, have a steadfast faith in God?

There is one practical way, and that is by walking close with God. We know that God is our strength and our strong foundation. Being close to Him and clinging to Him give us protection against the unwavering waves and tides of life. Like a ship that is connected to an anchor, a tree with deep rooted roots, a Christian with a steadfast faith in God never falls down or stumbles.

How can we closely walk with God then? Just like in our earthly life, we develop closeness to a person by knowing them personally, talking to them often and “giving in” to their likes. In the same way, we also ought to do these things to God in order to develop a close relationship with Him. To be able to walk closely with Him, we must often talk to Him through our prayers, know Him more by constantly reading His words in the Bible and acknowledge His goodness in our lives through our praise and worship. Let's start walking closely with Him so we may remain steadfast, firm, and strong; not easily shaken by the waves of troubles, doubts, fears, and discouragements that keep on bombarding our lives.

Knowing that God Himself offers a steadfast love for us; all we can give back to Him is our steadfast faith.

"For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth."
- Psalm 26:3