Does God Watch Over Us?

(Originally posted in March 2015)

Last year was not a good year for our sheep. We started losing lambs in February 2014 and it didn't stop until April. Coyotes, bobcats, and even some wild hogs killed every single lamb that was born during the winter and spring. It was a sad, depressing time for us. Each day we would hop into the 4-wheeler to check on the sheep, wondering who would be missing from the group. I'd taken to naming the babies as they were born, but after Gimpy, Valentine, and Junior all went missing, I stopped giving them names. It was just too hard on my heart. When the easy-pickings-lambs were gone, the predator started on the ewes. Our herd dwindled down to what we referred to as "the lucky thirteen." Thirteen very skittish, unhappy survivors.

Mighty Hunter and I knew we had to do something or else the entire flock would be wiped out. But what? How do you protect sheep on 400 open acres of land, bordered by property dense with trees where all manner of predators live? We tried traps, snares, hired guns, and cameras, but still the sheep disappeared one by one. 

Then one day I read an article about guard llamas. Llamas have a natural alertness to their surroundings. They dislike dogs and are not afraid to attack a coyote or any other predator that threatens. The more I read, the more I liked the idea, so I passed the information on to the property owners. It was soon decided we needed a llama! 

One week later, Jaxx arrived at the ranch. We moved him and the sheep to a pasture a few days before Easter 2014 so they could bond. And you know what? We haven't lost one sheep since that day! Our herd is now up to 35 sheep, with all kinds of sweet babies. They are happy, content, and not the least bit afraid. Instead of staying huddled together in a tight group, they spread out to graze and bask in the sunshine. The lambs love "Uncle Jaxx" and follow him around when their mama's are busy eating. 

It's amazing what a difference one year and one llama made!

I can't help but think about how our Great Shepherd is always watching over us the way Jaxx watches over the sheep. Like our sheep, we are often in danger even when we don't realize it. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that our adversary, Satan, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. In Job 1:7, Satan describes how he stays busy: "...going to and fro on the earth, and walking up and down on it." And you know he is doing his best to wreak havoc in our lives while he's here!

Like our sheep, we need a protector. We need someone who will stay alert to dangers we can't see or anticipate. We need someone who isn't the least bit afraid of the enemy and is willing to do battle for us. I don't know about you, but I need someone who is willing to keep his eye on me 24/7/365 so I don't get myself into trouble! All too often we try everything but God.

Psalm 121 (NLT) pretty much says it all:

I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 
He will not let you stumble, the one who watches over you will not slumber. 
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. 
The LORD himself watches over you!
The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. 
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.
The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. 
The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go.
Both now and forever. 

So on those days when you wonder if God is watching over you...on those days when you're frightened and feel alone...on those days when you sense the enemy is near...know without a doubt God is right there. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Rest in that peace.

Jaxx and his peeps, er, sheeps ;)

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