Being an Unstressed Sheep

Scripture: When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Observation: As Jesus is progressing in his ministry, this is how he describes the people who are coming to find him ... weary and worn out. They are troubled, tired, haggard, and harried. They are this way from life, not from daily living. Their days leave them wiped out in an emotional way, not just from physical work.

Sheep without a shepherd are stressed out because they do not have protector. They are still sheep - all they do all day long is stand in a field. When a shepherd watches over them, they eat the grass in a relaxed mindset, knowing they are protected. However, when they are not protected, they are on guard ... they look around, fail to eat because they cannot look down, and are constantly tense because of unknown danger. This is weary and worn out. It has nothing to do with physical work, and everything to do with mental exhaustion.

Application: I have entered another season of frustration at work, and I have been thinking to myself how I am going to address that. There are days I feel stressed and tired because of the situation. This never happens on days where I have worked hard and made progress against goals, projects, and priorities. This always happens on days where political issues, foolish decisions, poor leadership, and personal agendas have derailed progress and created chaos. I worry that progress cannot be made. I spend my day ensuring my team is politically protected from random choices. I stress about my future. And I become ... weary and worn out.

In this season, I know I must turn to Jesus, and I do. That doesn't make it easier per se, but I know it will relieve the stress. I also seek a faith in the longer-term outcomes - that these outcomes will be for good and protection for my team, my family, and myself. I wish to relax into that loving place of Jesus, where I can simply relax in a field knowing that he is watching out for me. This is the attitude and approach I choose today.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you alone. You are my strong tower, my rock, and my protector. You are my shepherd. And you are my lord. Please provide and protect this day, and through all chaos and strife in this place. I remain in service to you, in the place you have planted me, and in the field where you watch me. Thank you for your love. Amen.