I am continuing to meditate on our powerful and yet tender shepherding role as mothers. I love the description of David from Psalm 78:71-72, “He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: from following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”

Once again the word “feed” is more than feeding. It means to shepherd and tend to our flock. It means to associate with and have companionship. The shepherd has a personal relationship with each one of his sheep.

And how did David shepherd the nation of Israel? With skillfulness. The word in the Hebrew means “insight, intelligence, prudence, understanding, discretion and wisdom.” Shepherding is not for dummies! We need all the intelligence, understanding, and wisdom that God will give us. And we need it from God, for our resources are not enough.

You mothering role is very powerful. As you shepherd your flock you are revealing the character of God. And you are preparing for whatever God has ahead for you in the future. When God is looking for leadership qualities, He chooses those who look after sheepfolds because shepherding is so close to His heart.

Love from Nancy