Each of us is valuable because we were created in God’s image. We need others to remind us of this when we face challenges that raise questions about God and faith: poverty, sickness, moral failure, natural disasters, experiences that bring shame, and periods of mental frailty that make us vulnerable.   

Soul care is found in God’s family. It is a safe place to be vulnerable because Jesus’s shepherding heart is expressed there. Others know some of our personal life stories and feel our frustrations, sadness, challenges, and doubts.  

Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law.  Galatians 6:2 THE MESSAGE

So, I must not have unrealistic expectations of Jesus. He is my everything, but that doesn’t mean I can get everything I need from Him while living in isolation.  I will experience the Shepherd’s care within a community. We are all priests in ‘the priesthood of believers’, ordained to carry out His ministry to the rest of His flock. 

There is security in the company of those who love Jesus because of collective discernment.  We study together, listen to the Holy Spirit, hash things out, wrestle with the scriptures, and humble ourselves to understand how God’s truth impacts us.    

The Shepherd’s arms are available and can be found in communities where His Spirit thrives.  Our part is not to hide when we feel Shepherd-less.  Instead of retreating, we must move toward those who listen and love well.  As we share our burdens, they are given the privilege of enfolding us into the shepherding arms of our Christ.

Lord, I will open myself up more to those who are alive to Your Spirit.  And I will commit to shepherd others when it’s personally expensive and do it as You have cared for me.  Amen