I AM the Good Shepherd

What is true love? Where can we find it? Everyone is searching for it, and Valentine’s Day is proof that our hearts long for this elusive feeling of well-being in the presence of another person.

Did you know that God is love? (I John 4:8) When Jesus used “I AM” statements, he identified himself with God, who is the source of all true love. Everything God and Jesus did and continue to do, flows from this heart of love for you and me.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd has laid down his life for you, the ultimate proof of love.
He says in this chapter that other imposters are thieves wanting to steal your heart, but leave you broken. They take advantage, selfishly bleeding you dry for their own needs. We are all a bit like foolish sheep, trusting people who say that they care about us, but who leave us feeling disappointed and even a little bitter.

Why is it so hard to allow Jesus to be our Good Shepherd, when we long to have someone who will truly care for us? Is it because we fear what he might demand of us? Do we just want our freedom, with no restrictions or rules that a Good Shepherd might impose? Is his love just not enough?

I know that I long to be around people who will energize me, rather than drain me of what little emotional energy I might have. But as sheep, we are all needy, and we look to each other to supply what I believe the Good Shepherd wants to give us. I am the first one to look to my husband, to my children, to my grandchildren, friends and fellow believers for encouragement and love, but what I really need is only found in my relationship with the Good Shepherd.

Jesus, thank you for the love of my family, friends and fellow believers, but help me to allow you to fill my heart with your love today and to trust you to be my one true love. Amen.

For Today: This Valentine’s Day, will you allow Jesus to be your “one true love?” Will you let him love you: heart, mind and soul surrendered to his love? He wants to love you like you’ve never been loved before, but will never push his way into your life. He waits to be invited.