I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11
I think we've all been in organizations, relationships, and even churches where the people really didn't care for us. This is the great thing about Jesus: He really cares for us. He cares about all the little details, the pressures, the pains, the struggles. He is the "Good Shepherd" who has given His very life for His sheep (John 10:11).
You see, sheep are some of the most defenseless creatures on the planet. They do not have claws, fangs, swimming abilities, running abilities, or any real talents. They fall on their backs and die from sun exposure because they can't get back up to their feet. In fact, without the consistent care of a skillful and loving shepherd, it's not too hard to see why sheep can get pretty stressed out.
In the same way, we so often stress ourselves out by not leaving our cares in the hands of Jesus. Sometimes the cares of work, of family, of strained relationships, or unexpected circumstances cause us to feel so powerless that we throw up our hands in defeat. But the Bible says to "cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). You may have cares that go back weeks, months, or even years, but by dragging those cares around, you will only cause yourself to be loaded down -- "stuck" in a cycle of merely existing, rather than living the abundant life that Jesus has given you.
Today, let me encourage you to cast every burden upon Christ. Jesus wants to give you such freedom, such peace, such life. Allow Him to be your shepherd. Allow Him to care for you.
