Do you ever think of yourself as a shepherdess – one that watches over sheep? It seems strange, but consider the truth of our responsibility found in Proverbs:
You might be a city girl, but we all have a “flock” if we have a family or a ministry.
It takes diligence to look well to my “herd” (not sure my 20 year-old wants to be considered part of a herd, but, oh well!). I have to stop and ask myself some questions in order to know how everyone in my home is doing.
Concerning children:
- How are they doing spiritually? Do they seem to be walking with God?
- Do I need to offer a listening ear about something that is going on in their life right now?
- Is there a wound in their heart that needs the application of God’s Word?
- Are they feeding on God’s Word?
- Are their friends encouraging them towards godly living?
- Are they bearing the fruit of the Spirit?
- Is there a need I should provide? Clean laundry? A replaced button? Mended hem?
- Are they getting adequate rest and exercise?
- Is there some way I could serve them? This would be apart from the normal duties of a mom – this is a favor done in love.
Concerning husband:
- Does he seem encouraged in the Lord?
- Does he have a burden which I could pray with him about?
- Does he have a stooping heart that needs a glad word? Proverbs 12:25
- Does he respond to me as a man that feels respected by me? Ephesians 5:33
- Is there a way I could serve him today? Run an errand for him, do a task he normally does, bake something he loves…
- Are his needs being met?
- Is there a need I should provide? Clothes mended, finish a task I started for him, make lunch for him to take to work…
- Am I loving him with I Corinthians 13 love? Forgiving, unselfish, not keeping score or wrongs, hoping all things… etc.
- How could I demonstrate that kind of love today?
If you don’t have a family, many of these questions could apply to the ministry (people) to whom you are ministering (your job should also be your ministry).
We all have flocks and herds. Are they sick and scattered, or are they loved and cared for by us, their “shepherdesses?” It does take diligence as the verse indicates, but Our Great Shepherd will help us, give us discernment and also strength to roam the fields looking out for their well-being. It’s a high calling and blessed privilege!
What does it mean to you to “know the state of your flocks?” How can you do that?
With love,
RefreshHer 