John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Jesus talks a lot about us being sheep and him being our shepherd. The beginning of this verse reminds me of when my children were little. We would be walking through the store. The grocery isles are not wide enough for me and 3 children and they always wanted to argue about who got to walk next to me. So I instituted a new rule. I would quack like a duck and they were to follow behind me in single file so we weren’t obstructing the grocery isle. It was great at getting their attention.

That reminds me of what it says in Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,“This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Sometimes it seems so hard to hear Him. Doesn’t it? I know that the bible is full of promises of Him being present, and active in my life but I don’t always feel or hear Him.

When you feel like He is far from you what do you do?

Do you rely on what you feel or what you know?

I wish I could say that when I feel farther away from God my first reaction is always to go to the bible and encourage myself with the Truth. That even though I don’t feel Him He is right beside me holding my right hand. (Isaiah 41:13) I am not as consistent as I want to be in this but I’m still breathing so there is time to change. I think it would be helpful to have some scriptures written down and easy to access so I’m going to list a few for me and you to refer to when we need encouragement.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Psalm 73:23-24, 28 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

Psalm 27:4-5 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!