Sheep have a reputation for being, well, unintelligent. They are very social animals who stick close together and congregate. Their greatest threat is from predators and parasites. When they perceive danger, their best defense is to run, but when cornered, they may stamp and charge, for all the good it will do. Although perhaps not the smartest animals, sheep can learn to recognize a human when exposed to that human over a period of time, to recognize the emotions demonstrated on his face, and even to trust that individual to lead them to still water to drink and safe food to eat.

I wear sheep's clothing. There are numerous occasions in my life when I make very unintelligent decisions and reactions. I prefer to be with those I know well, those I recognize and trust. When I perceive danger, I usually try to "get out of Dodge." I'm not very confrontational. When pushed, I may be able to make a show of ferocity, but I'm not very convincing. I know that my worst enemy is "prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Sometimes his attacks come from the outside in the form of sickness or poverty or stressful happenings on the job. Sometimes they come on the inside in the form of worry, grief, envy, or wrong thinking. 

But I have this Shepherd. I know His voice and He calls to me by name, and I come. I trust my Shepherd to have my best interest at heart. His is always merciful, He is always kind, and I know He loves me. He feeds my mind, body, and spirit with good things. He protects me from harm, and though I am sometimes confronted by the wickedness of this world, sometimes preyed upon by evil, He is ready with a rod in His capable Hands to defend me. He died to save me, His sheep. And although to the world following Him seems "unintelligent," I will always stay just as close to Him as I can.

Thank you, Jesus.