Field guide · Terrain · “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”
Us with Godand Who We Are
Forecast: scattered comparisons, clearing wherever someone calls you by name.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
I’m okay only if I’m good enough, and I’m never quite good enough.
Over GodSheep that know the way
I am what I build and improve. Next year’s version of me will finally be worth something.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
I’m worth what God gives me, so when the blessings dry up, so do I.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
I’m worth what I accomplish for him, so I’d better keep accomplishing.
You are the beloved before you do a single thing.
Before Jesus preached a sermon or healed anyone, the Father said, “You are my Son, whom I love” (Mark 1:11). That same love has been lavished on us, and we are called children of God (1 John 3:1). Our name comes from him. We don’t have to earn it, build it, or defend it. We get to live from it.
Where the Shepherd isHe calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3). Yours is on his lips today.
Write “loved before I do anything” on a sticky note and put it where you start your work.
Lord, what do you call me?
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Gideon was hiding in a winepress when the angel greeted him as a mighty warrior and told him the Lord was with him (Judg 6:11–12).
- Jacob wrestled through the night and limped away with a new name from God (Gen 32:24–28).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing