Does God Watch Over Us?

Many moons ago, my husband and I were the caretakers of a 400-acre ranch in the Hill Country of Texas. Here's a story from those days and the lesson we learned from it.

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2014 was not a good year for our sheep. We started losing lambs in February, 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 predators started on the ewes. Our herd dwindled to what we referred to as "the lucky thirteen." 

Thirteen terrified, unhappy survivors.

Blackbelly Barbado sheep

Hubby, aka 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. 

One day I was reading about sheep and shepherds online and came across an article about llamas. Specifically, 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 of a guard llama, so I passed the information on to the property owners. 

It was soon decided we needed a llama! 

A week later, Jaxx arrived at the ranch. We moved him and the sheep to an enclosed pasture 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 Good 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." You and I 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 will keep his eye on me 24/7/365 so I don't find myself in trouble!

Psalm 23 is a perfect picture of what we need.

The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.

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 nor forsake you. All you have to do is trust Him.

Rest in that peace.

Blessings,

  ~Michelle

  

The gang.