Safe With the Shepherd

I had only turned away for a moment. She was gone. I did a quick scan of the water. The last time I saw my nine year old she had been on the sand. Her boogie board thrown in one direction; her eyes set on seashells. There is no way she could have gotten back into the water that quickly.

I grabbed the hands of my two smaller girls and began to walk the beach and pray. Your staff protects us - extend it now. Father, I can’t see where O is. But you know. Please send your angels to locate her and bring her back to me. I walked slowly, searching the sand. Fear threatened to roll in like the tide.
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It had been the perfect day for the beach! The children were well behaved all morning and were eager to hit the water. They managed to squeeze out the last few ounces of patience to help me get our sun shade up without incident - praise God for small miracles. God, please don’t let this end in disaster.

The clock ticked on... My two younger girls noticed their oldest sister was missing and started to panic. Boldness rose as forcefully as The Shepherd’s rod and peace swelled in my heart. We will not be afraid. Jesus knows exactly where O is and He will return her to us safely.

After several minutes (which seemed like hours) I saw a gentleman walking toward us, my daughter beside him. My eyes filled with tears and gratitude — as always, the Good Shepherd went after my little lamb and safely returned her. His rod and staff were a comfort to me.
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In their book, The Way of the Shepherd, Dr. Kevin Leman and Bill Pentak explain the uses of both the rod and the staff: The staff is a long tool with a hook on the end. It was used to redirect and rescue the sheep. With their heads down nibbling grass— like my sweet girl searching for hidden treasures in the sand— they aren’t always aware of their surroundings which means they lose track of the shepherd.

​The shepherd extends his reach to rescue the wandering ones by looping the staff around their neck and gently bringing them back. The rod, on the other hand, is similar to a club and is used as a weapon. It was small enough to “sail” through the air aimed at a predator who threatened the flock. Always watching, always vigilant, the shepherd protects the sheep from dangers seen and unseen.

For a while, after the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he will use his staff to gently press the side of the sheep to remind them of his presence, comfort and to redirect them if they start to stray.

For the rest of the day, I kept my eye on my sweet girl. She needed the assurance that mama was nearby and that I had my eye on her, even when she didn’t have her eye on me.

Years ago, when I felt ill-equipped and lost in solo- motherhood, Holy Spirit led me to this verse: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isa. 40:11, emphasis mine).

I realized I am always safe with the Shepherd.

Mama, you may feel lost. Your head may be down in the day-to-day tasks and you may feel distracted. Fear may prowl like a lion just beyond the boundary line.

You may have a lamb that seems out of your reach. Rest assured, They are never out of the Shepherd’s reach and neither are you!

The Shepherd has you and your lambs in His sight and He is leading you. Today, ask Him to show you how His rod protects you. Allow him to draw you close with His staff and to bring you comfort.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4b

About the Author

Howdy! My name is Lonette Baity. My favorite things are Sunday donuts and adventures with my four children, reading historical fiction, board games, and all things coffee. I especially enjoy warm South Carolina springtimes, before the bugs come out to bug me. I am passionate about creating safe spaces where women can rediscover their purpose, reconnect with their hearts and find God's healing in their own stories. I'd love to connect with you at www.LonetteBaity.com.