A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cruise the inland passage of Alaska (again!!!) I saw humpbacked whales jump entirely out of the water. (What a sight!) I saw orcas slide by with their babies. (Those black and white dorsal fins are alarming!) I lost count of eagles, seals and otters.

As I sat on the balcony and watched the shoreline wander by, I had a whole series of thoughts. One of which took me to the passage in Ezekiel 34 where God promises to send a shepherd to tend Israel (and us). “I will place over them one shepherd… The Lord will be their God…I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid them of wild beats so that they live in the desert and SLEEP IN THE FORESTS IN SAFETY.”

It was that thought of “sleeping in the forests in safety” that caught my attention. As miles and miles of untamed forests rolled by, I thought about the animals. Animals like bears and wolves and the other predators that roam those woods freely. They eat what they want, raise their young where they please and might not enjoy having me camping in their backyard.

Those animals represent the cares of this life. They can challenge us, scare us, and make us change course and flee. Generally, they want to rule the forests of our lives.

Tough stuff happens all the time, even in summer!

But the scripture tells us that God made a plan. He provides a shepherd to care for us. He walks with us. He provides for our safety and our needs. In His presence there is peace. The hurts, frustrations, anxieties and trials of life are under His purview. He rids our lives of those “wild animals.” 

We really can sleep in the woods in safety.

So, this week, when the circumstances of modern living crowd you a bit, take a moment to review the role of your heavenly shepherd. And maybe think about those lush green hills of Alaska (check out my Facebook page for some gorgeous pictures!) And remember, yes life is filled with things to care about, but we have a guide, a camping partner who goes before us and takes care of those scary animals.

Pitch a tent. Lay out your sleeping bag. Make a fire. Cook some smores. And peacefully sleep in the woods!