O Shepherd of Israel!

Psalm 80:1
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

I am sitting in a very comfortable home of a fine Doctor and his family, we are in a missions conference with Camp Creek Baptist Church in Cornelia, Georgia. I have been afforded the luxury of sleeping in (of course, we have not made it to bed before mid-night)... As I looked at today's verse, my heart was stirred with the flowing words of this, yet another prayer.

The Psalmist gives us an example of true worship. May we think long and hard on the formula of our words as we enter the throne room of Grace. We should rely upon the Holy Spirit to teach us to be word smiths. May our words be pleasing to the ears of God!

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel.
A fine Shepherd of Israel, is noted for the level of care rendered to the stinky old dusty sheep he tends. The Shepherd of Israel, would do everything within his power to protect and provide for the well being of these little scattered brained critters. The Shepherd of Israel, would be on guard and alert to every whimper the sheep would make. Since I find myself in the category of sheep, I am thankful to have as my very own this, "O Shepherd of Israel"

Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;
Perhaps, Joseph is one on my favorite Old Testament figures. He went through so much pain and suffering to be promoted to one of the prominent world leaders. If you could see and understand what the Lord Jesus is doing and going to do in and through you would you submit to allow Him room to work? I think that on the intellectual level I know this but on the every day practical level I struggle. My prayer this morning is that I can allow the Shepherd of Israel lead me His flock like he did Joseph of old.

Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
What an honor to be watched over by the Shepherd of Israel. He dwells between the cherubims. In the Holy of Holies. In the seat of mercy, love and peace, I can saftley walk along with my Lord.